ALFRED, NY – Despite a competitive first half, the Alfred University women's basketball team dropped its final Empire 8 regular season home game against Houghton University, 78-53, on Tuesday.
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The Saxons (11-14, 5-11 Empire 8) were outscored by the Highlanders (20-5, 11-5 Empire 8) in each of the fourth quarters. AU combined for 19 of its points during the third quarter, which was the most in a quarter during the contest.
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Jaidyn Chest (Mayfield, NY/Mayfield) was the leading scorer for the Saxons with 11 points along with six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Natalee Collins (Waterville, NY/Waterville) registered 10 points, seven rebounds and one assist.
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AU struggled in the first quarter as it was held to just 2-of-17 from the field. The Saxons did, however, make 5-of-6 at the free throw line, to stay within five, 14-9.
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In the early stages of the second quarter, Ava Anastasi (Sanborn, NY/Starpoint) drained a 3-point shot while Collins scored on a layup to make it a two-point game at 7:22, 20-18. In the latter half of the quarter, Houghton University outscored AU, 9-4, to go up 31-23 at the end of the first half.
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Unfortunately, the Highlanders took control in the second half as they shot 19-of-36 overall while the Saxons went 12-of-28.
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"We executed way better in the first half today than we did the last time we played them," Head Coach Mike Moskowitz said. "But in the third quarter, we had too many mistakes on the defensive end that let them extend the lead rather quickly. They do a great job doing what they do on both ends and over time. If you're not sharp with your communication and execution, they wear you down. While it wasn't the result we wanted, we're thankful to continue our journey together as we prepare for a tough Nazareth team on Saturday."
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The Saxons will be the No. 8 seed in the E8 Championship Tournament and will travel to No. 1 Nazareth University for the first round on Saturday at 2:00 PM.