ELMIRA, N.Y.— Kayla Camacho continued her torrid scoring streak and the Houghton Highlanders defense turned in another swarming performance, capitalizing on a 43-15 second-half effort to defeat the Elmira Soaring Eagles on their home court, 71-45.
 
Camacho, one game removed from a career-high 38 points, hit 12-of-20 shots from the field 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, for 28 points.
 
The Highlanders defense picked up 12 steals off 21 Soaring Eagles' turnovers, converting them into 18 points, while limiting Elmira to less than 30 percent shooting from the field, including only three field goals (12 percent) in the second half.
 
While the numbers look good in the rearview mirror, the Soaring Eagles gave the undefeated Highlanders quite a scare early on, capitalizing on a 12-0 run to finish the first quarter up, 19-8.
 
Houghton quickly cut into that lead early in the second quarter, thanks to a 9-0 run.  But Elmira quickly stopped the bleeding, and the Soaring Eagles entered the locker room up by two, 30-28.
 
The second half, however, would belong entirely to the Highlanders, as they outscored the Soaring Eagles, 23-8 in the third quarter, and 20-7 in the final 10 minutes.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 71 | Elmira – 45
Records: Houghton: 14-0 (5-0 Empire 8) | Elmira: 6-5 (1-3 Empire 8)
Venue: Speidel Gymnasium, Elmira College | Attendance: 68
 
NOTABLE STATS
>> The Highlanders held their opponent under 30 percent shooting for the sixth time this season.  They have also collected at least 10 steals in 13 of their 14 games.
 
>> In addition to Camacho's 28 points, she also collected seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
 
>> Crysta LaCrosse chipped in 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Today's game was a great test against a team that just doesn't give up.  It's always a hard game traveling to Elmira.
 
"We came out of the gate a little slow today, but this team has no quit in them.  They really started getting back to our roots and taking pride in the defensive end.


"When we are intentionally rebounding as a team, and the first to the floor for loose balls, we are a tough team to score against.
 
"We have two days to keep getting better before [heading up to Rochester].  I can't wait to get back to work.  I'm so thankful to be around this group every single day.  I don't take it for granted." – Head Coach Phil Pellegrino
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders head to Rochester this Friday for a matchup with the St. John Fisher Cardinals at 5:30 p.m.