Highlanders Hang On in Wild Affair

Houghton hung on for a 84-83 victory over Alfred State on Thursday evening in a wild back and forth contest in front of a energetic crowd inside the Orvis Activities Center.

The Highlanders jumped out to a 24-12 lead in the 1st half but the Pioneers responded with a 14-0 run to grab their first lead of the game 26-24. Alfred State continued the offense attack and led 44-39 at the break. 

In the 2nd half, the Pioneers led 55-47 with 15:31 remaining in the game but the Highlanders fought back and tied the game at 68-68 with just over seven minutes left. In the next six minutes, Houghton built a 82-76 lead but had to hold on as Alfred State made a run in the final minute. Quadrelle Roberts (Rochester/Franklin) hit a three-pointer with 5.6 seconds left to cut the lead to 84-82. After two missed foul shots, the Pioneers were fouled and had a chance to tie the game. The blue & gold hit the first but the second bounced off the right side of the rim and the Highlanders grabbed the board to clinch the victory.

Roberts hit four 3-pointers and led the Pioneers with 19 points. Marquis Edwards (Queens/In-Tech Academy) finished with 16 points and D'ondre Davis (Brooklyn/William Grady) chipped in 14 points and nine boards. Christopher Padron (Bronx/Mott Haven) and Adam Fezza (Southhampton) both had seven.

The Pioneers shot 42.9% from the field, connected on five 3-pointers, and was 24-35 from the line (18 for 23 in the 1st half). Alfred State held a slight 48-44 rebounding advantage but turned the ball over 24 times.

Brandon Camacho led Houghton with 22 points and seven boards. He was 7 for 10 from the line. Tyler McQuaid added 14 points and 12 rebounds while Phil Pellegrino and Jordan Scott both had 13.

The Highlanders shot 38.7% from the field, hit eight 3-pointers, and shot 60% from the foul line.

The blue & gold wrap up the 2015 portion of their season on Saturday when they host SUNY ESF at 1 p.m.