HOUGHTON, NY – The Buffalo State Bengals overcame a 10-point second-half deficit to pull out a nail-biting win over the Houghton Highlanders, 75-72.
 
Eight minutes into the second half, Jake Verschoyle hit a three-pointer that put the Highlanders up by 10 points, 57-47.
 
Five minutes later, another three by Tyson Clark kept the Houghton lead at eight points.  But over the ensuing four minutes, the Bengals outscored the Highlanders, 10-1, taking a one-point lead.
 
The teams traded leads down the stretch, until a pair of free throws by Oryan DeJesus put Buffalo State up by five with 17 seconds remaining. 
 
With nine seconds to go, Donovan Loudermill nailed a three to pull the Highlanders within two, but that would be as close as they would come as the clock ran out of time.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 72 | Buffalo State – 75
Records: Houghton: 1-4 |Buffalo State: 3-2
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 234

NOTABLE STATS
>> While the Highlanders outshot the Bengals, 51%-to-41% from the floor, and 54%-to-22% from beyond the arc, Buffalo State committed only 12 turnovers, while Houghton gave the ball away 21 times.
 
>> Lou Bellamy picked up his second double-double of the season, logging 21 points and 17 rebounds.
 
>> Jake Verschoyle went 8-for-10 from the floor, picking up 22 points, while Donovan Loudermill shot 7-for-9, scoring 19 points.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We improved a few target items today - like eliminating transition points and getting back to attacking the paint.
 
"We are still being bitten by the possession bug. We gave up another 18 offensive rebounds and handed over 21 turnovers in a one possession game. Each of those giveaways could have been the difference maker for us.
 
"Our offensive execution, shooting, and halfcourt defense are good enough to win. Our passion for possessions needs to be good enough too.
 
"Lou Bellamy was very good in a lot of ways this afternoon. While we gave up too many offensive rebounds, it is hard to blame him since he collected 17 total to go with 21 points. His leadership was even more impressive. He was vocal in timeouts, helping encourage guys during down times, and keeping us all focused on being excellent.
 
"Donovan Loudermill and Jake Verschoyle contributed a lot today. Their ability to attack the paint and make threes means they are very difficult to guard." – Head Coach Jeremy Bialek
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders head to SUNY Morrisville on Tuesday, November 25 to take on the Mustangs in a pre-Thanksgiving tune-up at 7:00 p.m.