HOUGHTON, NY – Dayion Thompson and Damien Call combined for 41 points, leading the Utica Pioneers past the Houghton Highlanders, 91-74, in the opening Empire 8 matchup for both teams.
 
After starting out hot, the Highlanders faded slightly, but stayed within a pair of baskets for most of the first half.  With less than two minutes to play before the half, the Pioneers caught lightning, knocking down three quick shots to pull ahead by 12, 48-36, at the half.
 
In the opening minutes of the second half, it looked like Houghton might make a run, as Brandon Taylor hit a layup to pull the Highlanders within six points with 15 minutes to play.
 
The Pioneers, however had other ideas, quickly responding with an 8-0 run.  While Houghton would make another run late, they would pull no closer than 11 points, as Utica slowly pulled away.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 74 | Utica – 91
Records: Houghton: 1-6 (0-1 Empire 8) | Utica: 5-1 (1-0 Empire 8)
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 225

NOTABLE STATS
>> While the Highlanders shot 50 percent from the floor, and impressive 50 percent (12-for24) from beyond the arc, the Pioneers knocked down 58 percent of their shots from the floor.  Houghton also only committed 11 turnovers, but Utica gave the ball away only eight times.
 
>> Perhaps the stat of the game, though, was that while Utica pulled down 40 rebounds and scored 25 second-chance points, Houghton managed only 20 boards and five points off putbacks.
 
>> Jajuan Preaster went 12-for-15 from the floor, 4-for-4 from long distance, and 2-for-2 from the line, compiling a game-high 30 points.  It is the first time this season he has crossed the 30-point threshold, and the second time in his career.
 
>> Preston Thomas scored 12 points and dished out three assists.
 
>> Thompson and Call scored 21 and 20 points apiece, respectively, while Justice Brantley scored 14 points, grabbed nine rebounds and served up six assists for the Pioneers.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"I felt like our offensive execution improved a lot today, but for the second time this season, we allowed offensive rebounds to thwart a good defensive effort. We have to close out defensive  possessions with rebounds. And that's everybody, [not] just one or two people.
 
"That's easily the best offensive game I've seen Jajuan [Preaster] play. He may have scored more points in another game, but today he consistently made great choices. If that's the number 40 we're getting on offense the rest of the way, defenses will have to make tough choices." - Head Coach Jeremy Bialek

UP NEXT
The Highlanders head to Keuka Park on Tuesday, December 7 to take on the Keuka College Wolves at 7:30 p.m. Houghton lost to Keuka twice last season, first by three points, 69-72, at home, before falling in heartbreaking fashion, 89-90, on the road.