Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's basketball team fell to the Houghton University Highlanders, 87–45, in conference action on Friday night. The loss places the Wildcats at 5-15 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Houghton jumped out early in the first quarter, capitalizing on transition opportunities and SUNY Poly turnovers to build momentum. Crysta LaCrosse opened the scoring with a fastbreak layup and free throw, while Tabitha DeVries and Olivia Simser added points in the paint as the Highlanders pushed ahead. SUNY Poly answered with perimeter shooting from Alysa Jackson and Kayla Wilson, both knocking down three-pointers to keep the Wildcats within striking distance. Bryanna Lucas finished strong at the rim late in the quarter, and Isabella Kroll added a three, but Houghton's steady inside scoring gave the visitors a 20–15 lead after one.
The second quarter saw Houghton extend its advantage behind a balanced offensive attack. DeVries continued to score inside, while Anna Dening and LaCrosse connected from beyond the arc to stretch the lead. SUNY Poly found points from Alivia Turk, who drained a three, and Jackson, who converted a layup in traffic. Despite defensive rebounds from Sanaa Lee and active play from Kelsey Meca on the glass, Houghton closed the half on a strong run, taking a 44–21 lead into the break.
Houghton maintained control in the third quarter, opening with multiple second-chance points and consistent scoring in transition. LaCrosse scored on a tip-in, Hannah Farley finished through contact, and Simser added a three as the Highlanders continued to build their lead. SUNY Poly showed resilience, with Lee scoring on a putback, Wilson adding a free throw, and Kroll knocking down a three-pointer. Jackson sparked the Wildcats late in the quarter with a fastbreak layup and free throws, but Houghton carried a 68–32 advantage into the final period.
The Wildcats continued to battle in the fourth quarter, getting contributions from multiple players. Wilson converted at the free-throw line, Jackson hit a three and assisted on a fastbreak layup by Turk, and Rebeckah Tittle scored on a jumper late in the frame. Despite SUNY Poly's continued effort, Houghton closed the game with strong finishing at the rim and perimeter shooting, sealing the 87–45 victory.
