PITTSFORD, NY – The St. John Fisher Cardinals pulled away in the final minutes to defeat the visiting Houghton Highlanders and remain unbeaten in Empire 8 conference play, 84-73. 
 
With six minutes remaining in the game, Houghton's Preston Thomas picked up a steal and hit David Rosa for the layup, pulling the Highlanders within four points.
 
One minute later, Houghton still trailed by only five, when the Cardinals peeled off an 8-0 run to secure a commanding lead heading into the final two minutes.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 73 | St. John Fisher – 84
Records: Houghton: 4-11 (2-4 Empire 8) | St. John Fisher: 10-5 (6-0 Empire 8)
Venue: Manning & Napier Varsity Gymnasium, St. John Fisher University | Attendance: 150

NOTABLE STATS
>> While the Highlanders maintained a slightly higher shooting percentage for the game (49-to-45 percent), the Cardinals converted on 10-of-23 three-point attempts, while Houghton hit only 6-of-19.
 
>> St. John Fisher hit seven more free throws than the Highlanders, and collected six more offensive rebounds, leading to an 11-point advantage in second-chance points.
 
>> Thomas posted 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Rosa collected 18 points and three assists.
 
>> Jajuan Preaster tallied 15 points and three assists.
 
>> Fisher's Akinlana Popoola hit all four three-point shots he took, scoring 17 points to lead the Cardinals, while Daniel Cook scored 12 points and pulled down 13 boards.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"That run Fisher had to finish the game is why they are champions. The runs our guys had after taking punch after punch on the road is why I think this program is headed toward that level of excellence.

"Our guys were nothing short of courageous and poised, despite many opportunities to be discouraged and give in. This is another loss. We don't like it one bit. The bitter-tasting building blocks are being set into our foundation, nonetheless, and we will be better in February because of this one.
 
"I know Jajuan Preaster, Preston Thomas, Trey Flatt, and David Rosa get a lot of press, and they should for how they have played over the last month. However, I want to highlight what James Wang, Tim Hutter, Hudson Idzi, and Noah Campbell did tonight for the limited minutes they have received up to this point. They are making the most of their time and helping us grow on both ends of the floor." - Head Coach Jeremy Bialek

UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the friendly confines of the Nielsen Center next Saturday, January 20, when they will take on the Russell Sage College Gators at 4:00 p.m.