ELMIRA, NY – The Elmira College Soaring Eagles battled hard against the Houghton Highlanders on Friday night at Speidel Gymnasium but fell short, 85-74, in a competitive Empire 8 matchup. Despite a strong first-half effort, Elmira was unable to keep pace with Houghton's efficient offense down the stretch.

JUST THE BASICS:
SCORE: Houghton 85, Elmira 74
LOCATION: Speidel Gymnasium – Elmira, NY
RECORDS: Elmira (6-15, 2-10 Empire 8), Houghton (12-9, 7-5 Empire 8)

HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game started as a back-and-forth battle, with the lead changing hands nine times in the first half. Elmira kept pace with the Highlanders, trailing by just three at halftime, 39-36. However, Houghton took control in the second half, outscoring the Soaring Eagles 46-38 to secure the victory.

Elmira had trouble slowing down Jajuan Preaster, who led all Houghton with 21 points on an efficient 10-of-14 shooting. Christian Sage added 20 points, including four three-pointers, while Lou Bellamy recorded a double digit point effort with 15 points and nine rebounds for the Highlanders.

For the Soaring Eagles, Riley Spencer '25 paced the team with 23 points while also adding a pair of assists. Kelton Brown '28 and JJ Babcock '26 each finished with 22, just shy of Spencer. Babcock also picked up his second double double in a row, and fourth of the season.

Houghton's defense tightened in the second half, forcing 14 total turnovers and capitalizing with 14 points off those mistakes. The Highlanders also found success in transition, scoring 17 fast-break points to keep Elmira on its heels.

UP NEXT:
The Soaring Eagles will look to bounce back as they continue their homestand with another Empire 8 matchup on Saturday night against Alfred University at 4:30 p.m.