ALFRED, NY— What started out as a low-scoring defensive struggled, quickly turned into a decisive display of offensive versatility for the Houghton Highlanders, who remained unbeaten as they defeated the Alfred State Pioneers, 71-51.
 
The first 10 minutes of the game ended in a 9-6 Houghton advantage, as both teams struggled to buy baskets.  The Pioneers converted only 2-of-10 shots from the field, while the Highlanders, aided by some offensive rebounding, converted only 3-of-18 shots.
 
That trend, however, would not last, as Houghton poured in 26 points in the second quarter.  Crysta Lacrosse hit 5-of-6 shots from the floor, including both three-point attempts for 12 points, as the Highlanders went to the locker room up, 35-23.
 
Houghton continued to separate in the second half, outscoring Alfred State, 20-7, in the third quarter.  The Pioneers made a run in the final 10 minutes, outscoring the Highlanders by five points, but ultimately could pull no closer.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 71 | Alfred State – 51
Records: Houghton: 6-0 | Alfred State: 0-6  
Venue: Orvis Activities Center, Alfred State College | Attendance: 72

NOTABLE STATS
>> The Highlanders took advantage of 17 Alfred State turnovers, converting them into 18 points.  Houghton committed 10 turnovers, leading to eight points for the Pioneers.
 
>> Despite 15 rebounds from Pioneer, Taylor Benjamin, Houghton outrebounded Alfred State, 44-30.
 
>> Lacrosse finished with a game-high 18 points, while pulling down a team-best nine rebounds. 
 
>> Kayla Camacho added 10 points and five rebounds for the Highlanders.
 
>> Sarah Somers and Taylor Searle scored 13 and 11 points for the Pioneers, respectively.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will head home for Thanksgiving then return to the Nielsen Center next Tuesday, November 29 for a matchup with the currently-unbeaten SUNY Canton Roos.