Houghton, NY (February 11, 2014) – The Houghton College women's basketball team rallied from a 14 point second half deficit to defeat visiting Utica College, 70-64, Tuesday night. Houghton outscored UC 23-3 in the final 6:28 of action to come from behind and earn the six point victory. Utica's Samantha Stayer (Allegany, NY/Allegany-Limestone) netted a career-high 30 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the way for the Pioneers.

Houghton's Kristen Moose drilled a 3-pointer with 1:12 remaining in regulation to give the Highlanders their first lead since the 16:24 marker of the first half.

Utica used an 11-0 run in a span of 4:09 to take a 30-19 lead after a 3-pointer from junior Christy Traglia (Mohawk, NY/Mohawk) to give the Pioneers their first double-digit lead of the contest with 3:29 left in the first half of play. The Pioneers were able to maintain an eight point advantage at the half, 32-24.

Utica was able to extend its lead to 14 points on three different occasions late in the second half, but the home squad's final run proved to be the biggest swing of the contest as the Highlanders earned the six point victory.

Utica's Marissa Kahane (Sayville, NY/Sayville) netted 13 points and on 4-of-6 shooting from the floor. It was the fifth double-digit scoring performance of the season for Kahane. Freshman Kelsey Cowell (Schenectady, NY/Mohonasen) added 10 rebounds and seven points, while Mary Miceli (New Rochelle, NY/New Rochelle) netted seven points and added six steals.

Houghton's Kristen Moose finished the night with a team-high 27 points on 6-of-13 shooting from 3-point land. Moose also added nine rebounds. Stephany Ellison chipped in with 17 points and four assists, while Hannah Manwaring added ten points for the Highlanders.

Utica's record moved to 5-16 overall, while Houghton improved to 7-15 on the year.