MBB Myers

Houghton, N.Y. – The Highlanders took it to the Myers University Mustangs tonight scoring a season high 98 points. The Highlanders put a halt to their 2 game losing streak tonight with tough defense and the stellar shooting from Rimgaudas Valaitis (Jr. Silute, Lithuania) who set a new school record for 3-point field goals made in a single game, hitting 8 for 10.

In the first half the Highlanders shot 20 for 30 (66.7%) from the field while shooting 11 for 15 (73.3%) from the 3-point line. The Highlanders at first were being outplayed by the Mustangs however; the Highlanders re-established themselves with great defense effort from the second unit building a 20 point led 55-35 at the half.

Valaitis continued to rack up the points behind the arch in the second half while the Nielsen Center crowd erupted as Yannick Anzuluni (Fr. Ottawa, ON) crushed a alley-opp pass from John Van Skiver (Jr. Campbell, NY) on the Mustang defense. The Highlanders easily pressed on finishing the game with a 29 point victory.

Valaitis’ record setting performance totaled 26 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists in only 19 minutes of play coming off the bench. Valaitis has led the Highlanders in points scored in the last two consecutive games. Mada Abdelhamid (Fr. Auckland, New Zealand) continued with another strong performance finishing with 17 points with 7 rebounds. Ben Kopp (Fr. Franklinville, NY) scored 14 points on the night going a perfect 3 for 3 from the 3-point line and 4 for 4 from the field.

The Highlanders look to improve on their 7-7 overall record against AMC North Division opponent Notre Dame College tomorrow at home, tip off starting at 4:00 pm.

Houghton College has deep and solid roots in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, where our teams use their commitment to excellence, both on the field-of-play and in the classroom, as a platform for their strong and unique emphasis on Sports Ministry. Their goal is to make a difference for the Kingdom on campus, in Allegany County, in the Northeast and around the world. Houghton is one of only 13 institutions who have been hand-selected by the NAIA to serve as "Champions of Character" Program Centers, opening the door for Houghton to be a leader, both in the Northeast and nationally, in character education. Through hands-on, innovative community outreach initiatives, Houghton coaches and student-athletes are working together to change the culture of sport and to change our culture through sport.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- January 12 2007 CONTACT: Glyn Turner 585,567,9648

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- January 12 2007
CONTACT: Glyn Turner 585,567,9648