MBB Notre Dame

South Euclid, OH – For the second time this season, the Highlanders scored 72 points against the #1 AMC North Division Notre Dame Falcons however, it was not enough for a victory. The Highlanders had a season low of 8 turnovers versus the Falcons allowing 1 turnover in the 2^nd half. Tonight’s loss is the Highlanders 5^th consecutive single digit loss this season.

The Highlander’s started slow against the Falcons falling behind early on. The Highlanders shot the ball poorly hitting only 40% from the field and 18% behind the 3 point line. Good defense allowed the Highlanders to slow the game down but still found themselves only 12 points behind the home team going into halftime 23-35.

The Highlanders came out fighting in the second half, showing the Falcons that they were serious in capturing their first win in AMC play. The Highlanders closed the gap behind the shooting of Mortenson and Goodman, bringing the Highlanders within two points of Notre Dame several times. The Highlanders had a chance to tie the game but missed two key free throws which let the AMC North Division leaders off the hook. The men shot over 46% from the 3 point line scoring 49 points in the second half. However the deficit was too much and the Falcons stretched their lead in the last minutes from some final free throws.

Luke Mortenson (Sr. Greenville, NY) scored 27 points against the tough Falcons defense also registering 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals while shooting 9 for 19 from the field and 5 for 10 from the 3-Point line. Corky McMullen (Sr. Castile, NY) posted 11 points against the Falcons while assisting on 5 baskets for the Highlanders. Allen Goodman (Sr. Citra, FL) tied his career high in points with 20 points on the night while snagging 6 rebounds off the board.

“Tonight’s lose is our 5^th straight digit lose this season however, our men fought back and persevered versus a team that attacks aggressively on both sided of the ball, offensively and defensively. The Falcons capitalized on our missed opportunities but, our men battled against the #1 AMC North Division opponent. Our men shot the ball well shooting 41% from the field and controlled the ball well only allowing 1 turnover in the 2^nd half,” said Head Coach Brad Zarges.

The Highlanders are 0-5 in AMC North Division play and look to capture their first AMC North victory in their next home game on Tuesday, January 30^th versus rival Roberts Wesleyan College with the tip-off at 8PM.

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 27 2007 CONTACT: Glyn Turner 585,567,9648

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- January 27 2007
CONTACT: Glyn Turner 585,567,9648