HOUGHTON, NY— A three-point play by Aaron Johnson and four clutch free throws from Trey Flatt sealed the game for the Houghton Highlanders as they stunned the Alfred Saxons on Saturday afternoon, 69-66.
 
After the Highlanders took a five-point lead into the half, the battle truly began.  While the Saxons never led for more than a minute of total time in the final 20 minutes, they kept the game within striking distance, as Houghton never led by more than six points throughout the second half.
 
With just over three minutes to play, Jajuan Preaster converted a three-point play to put Houghton up by five.  But Alfred quickly responded with a pair of Tyler Curran free throws, and a three-point from Oscar Wolf, tying the game with only two minutes remaining.
 
On the ensuing possession, Preaster found Johnson in the lane, who drew the blocking foul as he rose toward the basket and sank the lay-in.  Johnson converted the and-one, setting the stage for Flatt's free throws down the stretch.
 
The Saxons hit a layup as time expired to pull within three.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 69 | Alfred – 66
Records: Houghton: 2-8 (1-2 Empire 8) | Alfred: 4-5 (1-1 Empire 8)
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 285

NOTABLE STATS
>> Preaster went 11-for-14 from the floor, the second time this season he has shot over 75 percent, leading the Highlanders with 23 points, while adding six boards and four assists.  This is the third time this season he has scored at least 20 points in a game.
 
>> Flatt finished 6-for-7 from the line, good for 11 total points, while adding four assists.
 
>> Franlys Valenzuela collected a double-double for the Saxons, scoring 16 points and grabbing 12 boards.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"That's what we've been waiting for. Consistency and discipline. We were resilient tonight, and mini-runs either way did not take us away from our game plan.
 
"So many guys got to contribute because of how well we shared the ball. 19 assists-to-11 turnovers is how it should be and our execution allowed it to be that.
 
"The only thing more impressive than [Jajuan] Preaster's efficiency today was his leadership. He continues to be a steady voice for us and when he is patiently attacking, he is tough to stop because of his ability to find shooters.
 
"Trey Flatt closed that game out in clutch fashion, but his defense throughout the game gave us the chance to do so." – Head Coach Jeremy Bialek
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will travel to Syracuse on Monday, December 18 for an exhibition game against the Le Moyne College Dolphins.