HOUGHTON, NY— In a battle of the unbeatens, the Houghton Highlanders overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to hand the SUNY Canton Roos their first loss of the season, 64-57. 
 
Tabitha DeVries led the Highlanders with a new career-best 20 points, 16 of which came in the second half, going 8-of-15 from the floor in 25 minutes of play.
 
After trading free throws to start the third quarter, the Highlanders went on an 8-0 run to take a one point lead.  From there the two teams would trade baskets throughout the remainder of the quarter, heading into the final 10 minutes tied, 42-42.
 
With only four minutes to play, and the score still knotted, 49-49, Kayla Camacho drained a three-pointer and Crysta LaCrosse finished off a three-point play to put Houghton up by six.  The Roos battled back, trimming the lead to one, but a layup by Hannah Farley and another free throw from LaCrosse put the Highlanders back in control for good.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 64 | SUNY Canton – 57
Records: Houghton: 7-0 | SUNY Canton: 7-1
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 153

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton has now started each of the last two seasons 7-0.  Prior to last season, that was an accomplishment the Highlanders had not managed in 30 years.
 
>> In addition to DeVries career-high point total, she added six boards, three blocked shots and two steals.
 
>> Kayla Camacho registered her first double-double of the season, scoring 15 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.  She has reached double-digit points in all but one of the Highlanders games this season.
 
>> Emma Cole picked up 10 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots in only 13 minutes of play, while LaCrosse scored nine points and dished out a game-high six assists.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"That was a fun win tonight.  It was great to be home again and in front of the home crowd.
 
"Having different people step up and make winning plays every game is the coolest thing to see as a coach.  There isn't one selfish player on this roster and for that I'm extremely proud.
 
"It's time to get back to work and get ready for conference play.  I'm excited to have a competitive practice tomorrow." – Head Coach Phil Pellegrino
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center on Saturday, December 2^nd, when they will open conference play against Utica University at 2:00 p.m.  Houghton won both regular season contests between the two schools last season.