UTICA, N.Y. – The Houghton Highlanders closed out the 2022-23 regular season with a loss to the Empire 8 frontrunning Utica Pioneers on Saturday afternoon, 77-55.
 
After the Highlanders pulled to within three points moments before the half, the Pioneers opened the second half with an 11-0 run, which would be all the lead they would need.
 
While Houghton would pull within in 10 points minutes later, they would come no closer, as Utica would continue to pull away throughout the remaining minutes.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 55 | Utica – 77
Records: Houghton: 5-20 (4-14 Empire 8) | Utica: 22-3 (17-1 Empire 8)
Venue: Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium, Utica University| Attendance:  512
 
KEY STATS
>> Houghton knocked down 13-of-31 shots (42 percent) from long range, but committed seven more turnovers than the Pioneers and did not hit a single free throw (0-for-2).
 
>> David Rosa posted his fourth double-double of the season, scoring 14 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.  He finished the season averaging 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
 
>> Daniel Rosario continued his torrid weekend shooting spree, draining five more shots from beyond the arc, while scoring a total of 17 points.  In his final two games of the season, Rosario scored 38 points, knocking down 12-of-20 three-point shots.
 
>> Tim Hutter scored a career-high 10 points.
 
>> Four Utica starters reached double-digit points, led by Thomas Morreale and Justice Brantley, who scored 15 points apiece.

COACH'S CORNER
"Hard to believe the season is over. With the growth I've seen in this group, I wish we had more time because I'm sure the growth would continue. Now it's up to each of them to improve even more so we can build on the foundation we laid this season.
 
"I think it is significant that David, Danny, and Tim led us today. Those are three young guys, who represent the future of our program. I know their taste of success will fuel their off-season efforts." - Head Coach Jeremy Bialek