MBB ND

Houghton, N.Y. – The Highlanders could not stop the aerial attack of the Notre Dame Falcons as they found themselves on the losing end, 81-72. The Highlanders struggled with Falcons PG Jerome Pierce who tore through the Highlanders defense putting in 35 points.

Today’s loss to the Falcons, points out the many improvements the Highlanders must make in order to be a threat in AMC North division and to turnaround this season. Despite 3 division losses, the Highlanders have the potential to be a force in the AMC North division in combination with their skill players as well as depth coming off the bench. The emergence of Rimgaudas Valaitis (Jr. Silute, Lithuania) has allowed the Highlanders to have a scoring threat with the strong play of Luke Mortenson (Sr. Greenville, NY).

The Highlanders inexperience as well as turnovers cost them today’s game against AMC North opponent Notre Dame. The Highlanders struggled to cover Pierce due to his quickness and strong shooting ability.

Leading the Highlanders in scoring was Luke Mortenson (Sr. Greenville, NY) who put in 20 points and snagged 7 rebounds in 32 minutes of play. Mortenson is now averaging 20.3 points per game while averaging 35.7 minutes of play. Mada Abdelhamid (Fr. Auckland, New Zealand) scored 9 points 4 assists, 4 blocks and also led the Highlanders with a season best 13 rebounds. Rimgaudas Valaitis (Jr. Silute, Lithuania) who is leading the NAIA in 3pt FG% with 64% scored 12 points on the day going 4-7 behind the arch.

The Highlanders are now 0-3 in AMC North Division play and look to capture their first AMC North victory in their next game on Friday, January 19^th versus Geneva College with the tip-off at 7:30PM.

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