HOUGHTON, NY – Needing a victory to secure a spot in the post-season, the Houghton Highlanders came the Nielsen Center inspired, opening up a big lead early over the Hartwick Hawks, and rolling to their 16^th win of the season, 73-39. 
 
Houghton allowed only 13 points in the first half, and held the Hawks to under 20 percent shooting on the night. 
 
At the end of the first quarter the Highlanders led 22-8, and by the break Houghton held a 39-13 advantage.
 
The third quarter brought more of the same, as Houghton continued to separate, even after removing all five starters from the game.  After 30 minutes of play, the Highlanders held a convincing 56-19 lead.
 
Hartwick turned in their best 10 minutes in the final period, scoring 20, but the Houghton advantage proved insurmountable.
 
With the win the Highlanders remain in contention to host a first round playoff game and could finish as high as third place if they win their remaining two games and receive some help in other games.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 73 | Hartwick – 39
Records: Houghton: 16-7 (9-7 Empire 8) | Hartwick: 7-15 (5-11 Empire 8)
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 195

NOTABLE STATS
>> Crysta Lacrosse topped double-figure points for the 12^th time this season, scoring 15 points in only 23 minutes of play.  The freshman guard dished out four assists and went 6-for-9 from the floor and 2-for-4 from beyond the arc.

>> Kayla Camacho turned in another solid all-around performance with 11 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals.
 
>> Carlee Miller and Emma Cole each recorded 10 points and seven rebounds, while Cole blocked four shots and Miller two.

>> In her final regular season game in the Nielsen Center, Houghton's lone senior, Michaella Roth, scored six points, dished out three assists and pulled down four rebounds.  In her final campaign as a Highlander, Roth is averaging 4.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"What a weekend for this program.  This group keeps getting stronger and closer together.
 
"I'm so proud of the basketball players and people I get to be around every single day.
 
"We have a much-needed day off tomorrow then back to work.  Clinching a playoff spot is a very cool accomplishment, but I can see our team wants so much!" – Head Coach Phil Pellegrino
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders close out the regular season on the road next weekend when they travel to Keuka Park on Friday to take on the Keuka Wolves at 5:30 p.m., before heading to Utica University on Saturday to challenge the Pioneers at 2:00 p.m.