BRADFORD, PA – The Houghton Highlanders fell to the Franciscan Barons 84-72 on Saturday afternoon at the McDowell Sport & Fitness Center. After trailing by 16 points at halftime, Houghton put together a much stronger second-half performance, scoring 49 points, but was unable to overcome the early deficit.
Franciscan established control in the opening half, building a 39-23 advantage by the break. The Barons used their offensive efficiency and ability to capitalize on turnovers to create separation, scoring 16 points off Houghton turnovers in the contest. Zachary Pollaro led Franciscan with 21 points, while Volodymyr Trotsko added 13 points off the bench.
The Highlanders showed significant improvement after halftime, shooting 59.1 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from three-point range in the second half.
Trey Kleitz led the offensive effort with 19 points, including five three-pointers, while
Lou Bellamy added 18 points and
Tyson Clark contributed 16. Despite the second-half offensive surge, Franciscan maintained its lead and secured the 12-point victory.
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 72 | Franciscan – 84
Records: Houghton: 0-2 | Franciscan: 1-1
Venue: McDowell Sport & Fitness Center, Bradford, PA | Attendance: 85
NOTABLE STATS
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Trey Kleitz paced the Highlanders with 19 points, connecting on five of his eight attempts from beyond the arc. Kleitz also went a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
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Lou Bellamy finished with 18 points and seven rebounds, shooting 5-for-8 from the field and 7-for-8 from the free-throw line.
Tyson Clark added 16 points on 7-for-17 shooting.
>> Houghton finished the game shooting 43.8 percent (21-for-48) from the field and 82.8 percent (24-for-29) from the free-throw line. The Highlanders improved considerably in the second half, making 13 of 22 field-goal attempts and six of 13 three-point attempts.
COACH'S INSIGHTS
"That was a really good defensive team we just faced. Again, we struggled with decision making and shooting. Our last five minutes of the first half just cannot happen. We let the run affect our play. Credit to our guys on figuring it out in the second half. Now, we need to be consistent.
Lou Bellamy had a good couple days. We need him to keep improving, but he continues to show he can score against even top defenses.
I feel like
Tyson Clark is climbing out of his rough start. He established himself in that second half. He's a hard worker that's headed toward a great season.
Trey Kleitz is a pleasure to coach and his leadership is as valuable as his play. People need to see him a bunch before this year is done. You won't regret it." - Head Coach
Jeremy Bialek
UP NEXT
Houghton will continue their season-opening road trip with a visit to Alfred State College on Wednesday, November 11, at 7:00 PM. As the fourteenth match-up between the Highlanders and the Pioneers, the mid-week contest will prepare Houghton for their home opener the following Saturday.
