KEUKA PARK, NY— Ten months ago the Houghton Highlanders lost a heartbreaker to the Keuka Wolves, in Keuka Park, 54-51.
 
This time the Highlanders came determined not to allow a repeat.  And from the opening minutes they left no doubt this rematch would be different.
 
The Highlanders scored the game's first 21 points and finished the first quarter with a 27-4 lead. 
 
Despite playing a deep bench that tallied 61 of the Highlanders 96 total points, Houghton maintained the hot touch throughout.  The Highlanders shot over 50 percent from the field, including nearly 56 percent from long range.  Houghton hit over 50 percent of their threes in all four quarters.
 
With the win Houghton stretched their program-record-best start to 9-0, while picking up their second Empire 8 win.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 96| Keuka – 48
Records: Houghton: 9-0 (2-0 Empire 8) | Keuka: 1-6 (0-1 Empire 8)
Venue: JMW Recreation and Athletics Center, Keuka College | Attendance: 82

NOTABLE STATS
>> The Highlanders knocked down 15-of-27 shots from beyond the arc, tying a program record for three-pointers made in a single game, a record they set last season in an 84-53 victory over the Keuka Wolves.
 
>> Houghton's 96 points are the most they have scored in a single game since they defeated Utica College, 98-58, on January 12, 2019.
 
>> The Highlanders forced 29 Keuka turnovers, 21 by steal, converting them into 43 points. 
 
>> Abby Guiher tied her career-best with 17 points, going 3-for-6 from beyond the arc and a perfect 6-for-6 from the line. 
 
>> Marley Drake established a new career-high, scoring 17 points while hitting 5-of-7 three-point shots.
 
>> Crysta LaCrosse added 15 points, five assists and four steals, while Kayla Camacho chipped in 13 points and four assists.  LaCrosse, who was sidelined with an injury for the team's first four games of the season, has now reached double-digit points in three of the last five games.  Camacho has scored in double-digits in eight of the team's nine games this season.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Tonight was fun!  Everyone contributed and contributed really well.  This is how I know our offense can look when we shoot it with confidence.
 
"Everyone was looking for one more pass.  We have the most unselfish group I've ever been around.
 
"We have two really tough opponents coming up later this week that we have to prepare for tomorrow.  I can't wait to compete and keep getting better at practice tomorrow." – Head Coach Phil Pellegrino
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will travel to Fredonia on Thursday for a non-conference matchup with the SUNY Fredonia Blue Devils at 7:00 p.m.  Fredonia has won the last two meetings between the teams, in 2020 and 2021.