ELMIRA, N.Y.— A last-second 30-foot heave by Jajuan Preaster missed the mark as the Elmira Soaring Eagles completed a dramatic comeback win over the visiting Houghton Highlanders on Tuesday night, 77-75.
 
After taking a five-point lead into the half, the Highlanders led by as many as eight at the midway mark and still led by four with less than eight minutes to play.
 
Over the next five minutes, the Soaring Eagles rallied, eventually taking a six-point lead of their own, 72-66, following a three-pointer from the top of the arc by Aidan Carnevale.
 
Houghton battled back, tying the game with less than two minutes on the clock after a pair of buckets by Preaster and a pair of free throws from David Rosa.
 
Again Elmira claimed the lead, going up by four with only 18 seconds to play.  Preaster then hit another jumper to pull Houghton within a basket.  The Highlanders fouled, sending the Soaring Eagles to the line.  Luke Cole grabbed the ensuing missed free throw and found Preaster for one final look, but the ball would miss left, giving the Soaring Eagles the win.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 75 | Elmira – 77
Records: Houghton: 4-10 (2-3 Empire 8) | Elmira: 5-8 (1-3 Empire 8)
Venue: Speidel Gymnasium, Elmira College | Attendance: 79
 
NOTABLE STATS
>> Each of the last four meetings between the two teams, and five of the last six, have been decided by four points or less, including the last two games, which have been separated by only two points and another that ended in a four-point overtime win for the Highlanders.
 
>> The Highlanders committed only six turnovers while picking up five blocked shots and five steals.  The Soaring Eagles committed only seven turnovers, and blocked seven shots.
 
>> Preston Thomas picked up his third double-double and second in as many games, scoring 24 points (22 in the first half) and pulling down 13 rebounds.
 
>> Preaster came within a rebound of his second double-double of the year, collecting 16 points and nine rebounds.  He has scored in double-digits in all eleven games in which he has played this season and has recorded nine rebounds five times.
 
>> Cole and Rosa scored 13 and 11 points apiece, respectively.
 
>> Carnevale led the Soaring Eagles with 18 points and 11 boards, while JJ Babcock also posted a double-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds and five blocked shots.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We've been here before. Another tough, close loss. We gave ourselves a lot of chances but struggled to finish at the rim and at the free throw line.
 
"Defensively, our game plan was executed well for most of the contest, yet Elmira took complete advantage of the few possessions late in the second half where we wavered. They hit some big threes and grabbed some key boards. I give a lot of credit to them." - Head Coach Jeremy Bialek

UP NEXT
The Highlanders head to Rochester this Friday for a matchup with the St. John Fisher Cardinals at 7:30 p.m.