UTICA, NY – Vanessa Hall and Natalie Cornell dominated the post, combining for 35 points and 22 rebounds, as the Utica Pioneers upset the Houghton Highlanders, 86-75, on the Pioneers' Senior Day.
 
Houghton had defeated Utica by 23 points a month ago, and the first quarter looked like it would be a repeat performance, as the Highlanders jumped out to a 28-20 lead after the first 10 minutes.
 
The Pioneers, though, would quickly reverse their fortunes, winning each of the remaining three quarters.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 75 | Utica – 86
Records: Houghton: 16-5 (8-5 Empire 8) | Utica: 7-15 (3-10 Empire 8)
Venue: Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium, Utica University| Attendance: 111

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton would create 17 turnovers and commit only five, but after a first quarter in which they shot 58% of their shots, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, the Highlanders would hit only 35% over the final three quarters, and shoot only 4-for-25 (16%) from three-point range.
 
>> Utica shot an impressive 51% from the floor and hit 10-of-23 (44%) three-point attempts. They also outrebounded the Highlanders, 49-to-29.
 
>> Tabitha DeVries scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Olivia Simser scored 15 points and added five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
 
>> In addition to Hall and Cornell, Utica's McKenzie Simmons scored 17 points and dished out six assists.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will head to Oswego on Tuesday, February 10 for a make-up, non-conference matchup with the SUNY Oswego Lakers at 5:30 p.m.