HOUGHTON, NY – A 16-to-3 run midway through the first half put the Houghton Highlanders up big, as they reeled in another big win over conference rival Elmira on Saturday afternoon, 94-64.
 
The Highlanders turned a five-point lead into an 18-point cushion and never looked back.  At the half, Houghton lead, 54-27.
 
While the Soaring Eagles played a more evenly matched game in the second half, they never come closer than 23 points, and the Highlanders never took their foot off the gas, picking up their second Empire 8 conference victory in as many days.

Preston Thomas scored a season-high 26 points, and the Highlander bench scored 33 points and committed only three turnovers.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 94 | Elmira – 64
Records: Houghton: 7-4 (2-1 Empire 8) | Elmira: 4-8 (0-3 Empire 8) 
Venue: The Nielsen Center at Houghton University | Attendance: 248

NOTABLE STATS
>> Preston Thomas exploded for 26 points, going 8-for-13 from the field, 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, and 7-for-7 from the line.  While Thomas tallied 20 points or more in eight games last season, this is the first time he has accomplished the fete in 2024-25.
 
>> Houghton committed only eight turnovers and limited the Soaring Eagles to 36.5 percent shooting on the night.
 
>> For the second night in a row, the Highlanders shot lights-out from the free throw line, knocking down 16-of-18.
 
>> David Rosa went 8-for-10, chipping in 16 points, eight rebounds and three steals, while Christian Sage added 15.  Sage has reached double-digit points in eight of the Highlanders 11 games this season.
 
>> Jajuan Preaster added nine points, nine boards and six assists, without committing a turnover. 
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Well, that was as team a win as I've experienced since arriving. Our bench was fabulous. 33 points, 20 of our 44 rebounds, eight assists, and only three turnovers. In a back-to-back, that is exactly what you need.
 
"The bench expanded our lead early and kept providing momentum when they came onto the floor. We also had great leadership from our captains to minimize any runs Elmira went on.
 
"Preston Thomas is explosive. He has expanded his game so much to where he can start with jumpers, put it on the floor when you close out too hard, and he's one of our best passers. Then, he goes on the defensive end and locks people up there.
 
"Fans rightly focus a lot on Lou Bellamy, Jajuan Preaster, and Christian Sage. Basketball aficionados and coaches notice all that Preston does.
 
"Christian Sage being Christian Sage. He didn't have a great shooting night (for him), but he continues to manage the game so well and his defense was really solid. My favorite part as a coach is how much he wants to do the right thing. Christian is quick to own mistakes and wants to know how to help the team."
 
"David Rosa has continued to bide his time, take the minutes he is given, and perform well. He was at another level today. I think the Nielsen ceiling was all that kept him from going into orbit at times. 16 points and eight rebounds in 16 minutes is so efficient." – Head Coach Jeremy Bialek
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders travel to Rochester on Tuesday, January 14 for another Empire 8 tilt with the St. John Fisher Cardinals at 7:30 p.m.