HOUGHTON, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team fought off the Houghton Highlanders for a 51-42 win on Friday night.
In an offensive first quarter, Houghton led Utica 17-16 leading into the second frame of action. The Pioneers held the Highlanders to 32 percent shooting in the first including 1-for-11 from three. It was the second quarter in which Utica would strike, netting 13 points while holding Houghton to seven to carry a 29-24 lead into halftime.
Over the final 20 minutes of the game, Utica held Houghton to 18 points offensively (including 0-17 from three) as the defensive presence kicked in in the second half. The Highlanders went on to shoot under 12 percent from the field in the second half while Utica went on to outlast Houghton in the defensive battle.
Brigid Johndrow (Bristol, CT/St. Paul Catholic) recorded a 12 point, 10 rebound double-double while teammate
Petrina DeMarco (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) finished with 13 points in the win.
Kristine Miller (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) also added eight points, three boards and two blocks in the win.
Utica (19-5 10-5 Empire 8 ) finishes the regular season at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Alfred University.