UTICA, N.Y. – The Houghton Highlanders limited the Utica Pioneers to only 10 first-half points, cruising to their 17^th victory of the season, 51-40. 
 
The Highlanders forced 23 turnovers, 15 by steal, and held the Pioneers under 30 percent shooting for the game, including only 14 percent in the first half.
 
By the midway point, the Highlanders had built a commanding 27-10 lead. 
 
Houghton stretched their lead to as many as 21 points in the third quarter, following a three-pointer from Crysta LaCrosse.  But the Pioneers battled back, winning the third quarter by two points to make the score 42-27 with 10 minutes to play.
 
Again Utica outdueled the Highlanders over a 10 minute stretch, 13-9, but the damage had already been done, as Houghton hung on to take home their second win over the year over the Pioneers.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 51 | Utica – 40
Records: Houghton: 17-2 (8-2 Empire 8) | Utica: 5-12 (2-6 Empire 8)
Venue: Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium, Utica University| Attendance: 206
 
KEY STATS
>> The Highlanders are now one win away from tying last year's win total, an NCAA-era program best.  The Houghton women have won 20 or more games four times in program history, the last time coming in 1998-99, when the Highlanders recorded a program record 24 wins.
 
>> Houghton committed only 11 turnovers, and the Highlanders won the points-off-turnovers battle, 24-12.
 
>> Trinity Copeland logged her first double-double of the season, scoring a career-high 10 points, while also recording a career-best 14 rebounds.
 
>> Tabitha DeVries collected 12 points and six rebounds, while Marley Drake chipped in 11 points and three steals.
 
>> Haley Burchardt led the Pioneers with 14 points, while the Highlanders limited Empire 8 scoring leader, Vanessa Hall, to only eight points (more than nine points below her 17.1 ppg average.)
 
COACH'S CORNER
"It's tough to win on the road in this conference.  We got of the bus ready to go today. 
 
"There were so many positives from today's win.  It feels like we are getting back on track on the defensive end, and on the boards.  When the offense isn't flowing, we know that we can always rely on that as our identity.
 
"I know we are a very talented offensive team. Once we get the shots to stater falling at a more consistent rate again, we know we can compete with anyone on our schedule.  I'm excited for another tough Empire 8 matchup on Tuesday, followed by a week-long break to keep getting better."  - Head Coach Phil Pellegrino
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center on Tuesday, when they will host the Elmira Soaring Eagles at 5:30 p.m.  Houghton dismantled the Soaring Eagles earlier this season, on the road, 71-45, forcing Elmira turnovers and holding the Soaring Eagles to under 30 percent shooting from the field.