HOUGHTON, NY – In a game with post-season seeding implications, the Houghton Highlanders offense exploded for 34 third quarter points, outpacing the Russell Sage Gators, 72-56.
After a stagnant first half, the Highlanders led, 25-20, after
Crysta LaCrosse drained a three at the buzzer.
But the third quarter proved the difference-maker, as the Highlanders hit 13-of-21 shots, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, outscoring the Gators, 34-11.
While the Gators collected themselves in the final quarter, the damage had been done, as the Highlanders picked up another much-needed win, avenging a 15-point loss to Sage earlier this season.
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 72 | Russell Sage – 56
Records: Houghton: 19-5 (10-5 Empire 8) |Russell Sage: 14-10 (9-6 Empire 8)
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center at Houghton University | Attendance: 165
NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton forced 22 Sage turnovers, while committing only nine.
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Tabitha DeVries collected 18 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals. Though only in her third season, DeVries will graduate early this May. She now has 916 career points.
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Crysta LaCrosse posted 10 points, four rebounds and two assists. Already the Houghton career-leader in assists (420). She now has 1,156 career points and 563 career rebounds.
LaCrosse, who also ranks eighth all-time in steals, moved into 10
th place in scoring and is only 11 rebounds away from becoming the only player to currently rank in Houghton's top-10 in points, assists, rebounds and steals.
>> On senior day, the three remaining seniors (other than LaCrosse and DeVries) combined for 17 points.
Hannah Farley scored nine,
Tricia Carmer five, and
Amanda Jackson three.
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will close out the regular season this Tuesday, February 17, when they will travel to Alfred University for a matchup with the Saxons at 5:30 p.m. If Houghton defeats the Saxons they are guaranteed their 20
th win and at least the third or fourth seed in the Empire 8 Championship Tournament.
