HOUGHTON, NY – The SUNY Poly Wildcats showed why they have the top-rated defense in the Empire 8 on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Houghton Highlanders, 76-51.
 
The Wildcats limited the Highlanders to just 27 percent shooting in the first half, and only 34 percent for the entire game.
 
Meanwhile, Poly hit 62 percent of their shots in the first half, and 55 percent for the game.
 
The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead, pulling ahead by as many as 11 points in the opening five minutes.
 
Houghton clawed back to within five before the midway point in the first half, but a 9-0 Poly run set the tone for the remainder of the game. 
 
Poly took a commanding 18 point lead into the break, and while Houghton would pull to within 12 points in the second half, but a 19-2 Wildcat run over a five minute stretch all but sealed the outcome.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 51 | SUNY Poly – 76
Records: Houghton: 3-9 (0-3 Empire 8) |SUNY Poly: 10-2 (3-0 Empire 8)
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center at Houghton University | Attendance: 185

NOTABLE STATS
>> Tyson Clark finished with 16 points and three assists, knocking down 6-of-11 shots, while Lou Bellamy posted 16 points and eight rebounds.
 
>> Kamryn Comstock led a well-rounded Poly offensive effort, scoring 12 points, while three others chipped in 10 apiece.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"That's the top defensive team in the league for a reason. That's easily one of the most physical teams we've played and that makes it hard for us without our two point guards to get into what we want on the offensive end.
 
"We had some really good spurts on both ends and we hope to build off that.
 
"Our two top options offensively got a lot done today against a stout, focused defense. Lou Bellamy is continuing to grow as a scorer and passer. Tyson Clark really found his groove in the second half. They are two of the top scorers in our league and showcasing that." – Head Coach Jeremy Bialek
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center on Tuesday for another Empire 8 matchup against the St. John Fisher Cardinals at 7:30 p.m.