ALBANY, NY— After taking a four-point lead into the half, the wheels came off the cart for the Houghton Highlanders on Friday evening, as they lost to the Russell Sage Gators, 73-58.
 
The Gators opened the second half with a 7-0 run before Houghton's Olivia Simser drained a three from the corner to even the score, 40-40.  That would be the only field goal the Highlanders would score in the quarter, as Sage would outscore the visitor's 12-2 before the end of the period without Houghton committing a single turnover.
 
While the Highlanders regained a bit of their footing in the fourth, the Gators offense caught fire, hitting 7-of-12 shots from the field, including both three-pointers they attempted.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 58 | Russell Sage – 73
Records: Houghton: 10-3 (2-3 Empire 8) | Russell Sage: 9-5 (4-1 Empire 8)
Venue: Kahl Gymnasium, Russell Sage Colleges| Attendance: 154

NOTABLE STATS
>> As has become a calling card in Albany, the Highlanders were whistled for 17 personal fouls, leading to 18 Sage free throw attempts.  The Gators drew 10 fouls and Houghton took 10 free throws.
 
>> Houghton shot a season-low 31%, 36 percentage points below their previous low.
 
>> Tabitha DeVries scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Hannah Farley turned in another solid effort, collecting 14 points and eight boards.
 
>> Layla Acosta led the Gators with 21 points, knocking down 7-of-12 shots, while adding nine rebounds, six assists and three steals.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders head to Oneonta tomorrow to take on the Hartwick Hawks at 2:00 p.m.