UTICA, N.Y. – Despite 20-plus point efforts from both Jajuan Preaster and Preston Thomas, the Houghton Highlanders could not overcome a 32-point halftime deficit, falling to the Utica Pioneers, 94-77, who remained unbeaten in Empire 8 conference play.
 
The Pioneers shot a scorching 69 percent from the floor in the first 20 minutes, including 58 percent (7-for-12) from downtown.  Conversely, the Highlanders hit only 29 percent of their shots over the same stretch, leading to a 56-24 Pioneers lead at the half.
 
The second half would look very different, as Houghton converted over 51 percent of their shots, while the Pioneers cooled off to the pedestrian 38 percent.  While the Highlanders outscored their opponents, 53-38 over the final 20 minutes, the overwhelming first half deficit proved insurmountable. 
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 77 | Utica – 94
Records: Houghton: 5-14 (3-7 Empire 8) | Utica: 15-2 (8-0 Empire 8)
Venue: Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium, Utica University| Attendance: 407
 
KEY STATS
>> Houghton committed only nine turnovers for the game, while Utica gave the ball away only seven times.
 
>> Preaster finished with 25 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Thomas collected 22 points and seven rebounds.  The two players combined to turn the ball over only three times.  Preaster has now crossed the 20-point threshold six times this season, while Thomas has accomplished the feat seven times.
 
>> James Wang drained four of the seven shots he attempted, all from beyond the arc, for a total of 12 points.
 
>> Hagen Foley (22 points, four assists) and Justice Brantley (20 points, four assists) led the Pioneers.   
 
COACH'S CORNER
"I know I may start to sound like a broken record, but these last three teams we played are some of the most potent offenses in the league and have all attacked our weaknesses relentlessly.
 
"It took us too long to get disciplined in our positioning and that allowed Utica to get hot. It may be hard to see, but the guys are focused on improving and we'll be tougher to score on down the stretch.
 
"On offense we struggled to execute our game plan. The crowd noise definitely hampered our communication. Still, there was dramatic improvement in the second half, which allowed us to put up 53 and we hope to carry that momentum forward.
 
"Jajuan Preaster handled himself well in a very hostile environment. He was strategic in attacking and should have a great finish to the season.
 
"Preston [Thomas] is an elite scorer. His growth in reading defenders and choosing the best play makes guarding us that much harder for opponents." – Head Coach Jeremy Bialek
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center on Tuesday, when they will host the Elmira Soaring Eagles at 7:30 p.m.  Houghton will look to avenge a two-point road loss at the hands of the Soaring Eagles from earlier this season.