HOUGHTON, NY – The Alfred University women's basketball team dropped an Empire 8 road contest to Houghton University, 85-51, on Tuesday.
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The Saxons (9-9, 3-6 Empire 8) were unable to keep pace as they were outscored by the Highlanders (13-4, 5-4 Empire 8) in each of the four quarters. AU put up a quarter-best of 15 points during the first 10 minutes.
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Jaidyn Chest (Mayfield, NY/Mayfield) and Jayda L. Felker (Corning, NY/Corning-Painted Post) each led the Saxons with 12 points. Natalee Collins (Waterville, NY/Waterville) racked up a game-high 12 rebounds.
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Chest and Ashaya Wallace (Elmira, NY/Elmira) scored the first two baskets of the game to get the Saxons off to a 5-2 start. However, AU was outscored, 23-10, by Houghton University during the rest of the first quarter and trailed by 10, 25-15.
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Early in the second quarter, Collins scored back-to-back layups, but the Highlanders responded by shooting 10-of-24 and limiting the Saxons to just 5-of-16. As a result, Houghton University pulled away for a commanding 48-26 halftime lead.
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From halftime onward, AU was unable to contain Houghton University's offense. In the second half, the Saxons shot just 6-of-26 from the field, while the Highlanders converted 15-of-37 shots. However, AU found some success at the free throw line, making 11-of-16. The Saxons were 10-of-12 in the third quarter, with Felker leading with 5-of-6 during that frame.

"We did a decent job in the first half against the press and got good looks, but our half court defensive execution was poor," Head Coach Mike Moskowitz said. "They got 16 open looks from the perimeter and hit eight of those. Any team that gives up eight 3-point shots and 14 offensive rebounds in a half is going to have a tough time competing. Our second half effort and discipline was much better, limiting them to only one made 3-point shot, but it was unfortunately too late. We will continue to work to improve as we head into two tough games on the road this weekend." 
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AU will look to rebound in its next E8 contest at Elmira College on Friday at 5:30 PM.