HOUGHTON, NY – Despite a 28-point effort from Jajuan Preaster, the Houghton Highlanders dropped their season-opening matchup with the Bethany College Bison, 108-62.
 
After entering the break, tied 45-45, the Highlanders and Bison maintained a stalemate throughout the opening minutes of the second half.  But a 15-2 run by the Bison midway through the half opened up the game. 
 
Bethany would retain that advantage throughout the remaining minutes, never leading by less than nine points.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 92 | Bethany – 108 
Records: Houghton: 0-1 | Bethany: 1-0
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 400

NOTABLE STATS
>> The Bison shot a scorching 69 percent from the field in the second half, including 57 percent (8-for-14) from beyond the arc. 
 
>> Bethany outrebounded Houghton, 53-to-33.
 
>> Preaster sank 12-of-17 shots, and converted 4-of-5 from the line, while adding eight rebounds and four steals.  Teammate Christian Sage went 7-for-11 from the field, including knocking down his first five shots from long distance, finishing with 20 points.
 
>> Lou Bellamy and Preston Thomas added 13 and 12 points apiece, respectively.
 
>> Troy Hixson and Ryan Reasbeck led the Bison with 24 and 21 points apiece, respectively, while Cole Dailey collected a double-double with 14 points and 10 boards.

COACH'S CORNER
"That was fast, but unfortunately more chaotic than we want to be. You like forcing the 22 turnovers, but we gave back 22 along with 22 offensive rebounds. That is just way too many extra possessions for a team that shoots it as well as they do.

"I believe we'll learn from it. I have a lot of confidence in this group, their unity, and their desire to improve.
 
"Both Jajuan Preaster and Christian Sage had nice nights scoring the basketball. We have some explosive offensive options. With Jajuan attacking the rim the way he did tonight and Christian shooting/creating, our offense should be a lot of fun to watch." - Head Coach Jeremey Bialek
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders travel to Erie tomorrow to take on the Mercyhurst Lakers in an exhibition game at 3:00 p.m.  The Lakers have recently made a transition from Division II athletics and are in their first year of Division I competition.