HOUGHTON, NY – The Utica Pioneers kept the Houghton Highlanders at bay in the waning minutes, picking up their eighth win of the season, 65-59.
 
After Utica took a six-point lead into the half, the two teams traded baskets throughout the second 20 minutes.  The Pioneers never led by more than 10, but never less than four until the final minute of the game.
 
With Houghton trailing by six, Evan Griffin came off the bench to drain a three with only 39 seconds remaining, pulling the Highlanders within three, 62-59.
 
But the Pioneers' Dayion Thompson sank a tough layup with 19 seconds to go, and the Highlanders response by Jake Verschoyle literally entered the cylinder before spiraling out, causing an inadvertent whistle by the officials.
 
Forced to foul, Utica sank one-of-two, and Houghton could not answer.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 59 | Utica – 65
Records: Houghton: 3-8 (0-2 Empire 8) |Utica: 8-3 (1-1)
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center at Houghton University| Attendance: 185

NOTABLE STATS
>> After shooting only 35% from the floor, and 18% from beyond the arc in the first half, the Highlanders shot 50% and 43% in each category in the second half, respectively.
 
>> Lou Bellamy recorded his sixth double-double of the season, leading the Highlanders with 19 points and 10 rebounds.  Bellamy went 7-for-14 from the floor and a perfect 5-for-5 from the line.  He is currently averaging a double-double on the season, with 19.5 points per game and 11.0 rebounds per game.
 
>> Tyson Clark added 12 points, while Hudson Idzi and James Wang contributed nine points apiece.
 
>> Thompson led the Pioneers with 17 points, while adding seven rebounds and three assists.  Keaton Parks went a perfect 6-for-6 from the field, posting 13 points, seven boards and three blocked shots.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We're right there. That was the most complete defensive game we've played this season. It was without two of our top defenders, and we did it against the defending conference champs.

"Our offense has struggled lately, and tonight we just had a really dry stretch there in the first half that let them back in it and gave them a cushion we could not close.

"I loved our fight to close the gap and give ourselves a chance to beat the conference champs. We can build on that.
 
"Lou [Bellamy] led us again in many ways. Yes, points and rebounds, but his voice, composure, and big plays kept us within striking distance." - Head Coach Jeremy Bialek

UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center tomorrow afternoon for a matchup with the SUNY Poly Wildcats at 4:00 p.m.