HOUGHTON, NY— A big run over a five minute stretch in the second half erased a nine-point deficit, propelling the Alfred Saxons past the Houghton Highlanders for the second time this season, 61-51.
 
With Houghton leading, 32-23, with just under 16:00 to play, the Saxons reeled of 16 straight points to pull ahead, 39-32.
 
The Highlanders would stay within striking distance until the final minutes, when the Saxons surged again, building their lead to double-digits and insure the victory.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 51 | Alfred – 61
Records: Houghton: 2-7 (1-2 Empire 8) | Alfred: 8-3 (3-1 Empire 8)
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 153

NOTABLE STATS
>> Luke Cole set a new career scoring mark, posting 18 points on 7-of-12 shots from the floor and 3-of-5 from three-point range.
 
>> David Rosa and Reece Gustafson chipped in 13 and 11 points apiece, respectively, for the Highlanders.
 
>> The Highlanders limited Alfred to their third-lowest point total (61) of the season.  The Saxons converted only 3-of-19 shots from beyond the arc, only the second time this season they have made only three shots from long distance.
 
>> Adam Enders, Elliot Bowen and Darren Miller all scored 14 points apiece for the Saxons.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We fought really hard tonight and that is what I asked for.  Alfred is so good inside and outside.  We worked to not get beat on their initial offensive action or give up as many open threes tonight, but just gave up a little too much in the paint.
 
"I felt like that was the best collective effort from our bench this season, even if numbers don't show it. These Highlanders are growing quickly and that encourages me a lot. Everyone is climbing and yet they are not satisfied because they see we still have higher goals." – Head Coach Jeremy Bialek
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will host St. John Fisher College on Friday, January 6 at 7:30 p.m.