HOUGHTON, NY— In the previous four meetings between the Houghton Highlanders and the Elmira Soaring Eagles, the teams had been separated by an average of three points per game. 
 
Not tonight.
 
The Highlanders avenged two consecutive two-point heartbreaking losses to the Soaring Eagles, including one from just three weeks ago, with an emphatic 108-82 victory.
 
Jajuan Preaster came within an assist and two rebounds of a triple-double, while establishing a new career-high with 36 points on the night to lead the Highlanders.
 
After falling behind by 10 points only eight-and-half minutes into the game, a layup by David Rosa kick-started the Highlanders offense, who promptly reeled off a 10-0 run to tie the game.
 
Houghton continued to attack, and capitalized on a three-pointer from James Wang and a layup by Preaster in the closing seconds to take a nine-point lead into the half, 46-37.
 
In the second half, the Soaring Eagles upped their game, shooting 59 percent from the floor, 15 percentage points better than the first half.  But the Highlanders outperformed even that outstanding performance, knocking down 64 percent of their shots, and outrebounding the Soaring Eagles, 19-10, as Houghton scored a whopping 62 points in the final 20 minutes.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 108 | Elmira – 82
Records: Houghton: 6-14 (4-7 Empire 8) | Elmira: 7-12 (3-7 Empire 8)
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 173

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton's 108 points are the most points the team has scored in a regulation game since joining the NCAA, and the most points they have scored in a single game since they defeated Alfred University, 111-106, in overtime, on January 28, 2020.  The last time the team scored 100 points in a regulation game was a 100-96 victory over D'Youville on Wednesday, February 16, 2016.
 
>> In 97 total possessions, the Highlanders turned the ball over only 6 times, leading to only seven Elmira points.  The Soaring Eagles committed 14 turnovers, which Houghton converted into 21 points.
 
>> Preaster crossed the 30-point threshold for the second time this season and the third time in his career.  He has scored at least 20 points seven times, and reached double-digits in 16 of the 17 games he has played.  He now has 964 career points.  His nine assists were also a career high.
 
>> Rosa went 9-for-11 for 20 points, the fourth time this season he has scored 20 points or more in a game. 
 
>> James Wang knocked down 5-of-6 shots, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, for 14 points, while Preston Thomas chipped in 11 points and six rebounds.
 
>> Tyler Cardello and Owen Evans led the Soaring Eagles with 17 and 15 points apiece, respectively.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"The resiliency of this group is off the charts. After the first half struggles in previous games, falling behind early the way we did not look promising, but that 10-0 run turned everything and it started with defensive pressure combined with great transition offense. From there we defended like a team and moved the ball like a team. So fun to watch.
 
"Jajuan [Preaster] has really transformed his game and become a complete player. What can't he do? The guys trust him to make big shots and find them when they're open. He is a tough assignment.
 
"David Rosa's offense is always so fun because he is so fast and athletic, but his defensive focus helped us even more tonight. Even with early foul trouble, he was able to apply pressure and help effectively.
 
"James Wang is growing up right before our eyes, which is saying something since he's already 6'8". He is such a smart player at both ends. Tonight, he didn't just wait for opportunities at the arc either. His cutting was precise and timely. Guys were great about finding him." – Head Coach Jeremy Bialek
 
UP NEXT
With a full week to recuperate, the Highlanders will head to Alfred next Tuesday, February 6 to take on the Alfred University Saxons at 7:30 p.m.  The Highlanders narrowly defeated the Saxons earlier this season, in Houghton, 69-66.