Cresson, Pa. -- Mount Aloysius men's basketball secured their first win of the season over the Houghton University Highlanders this Friday, November 17th. 

The Mounties came out of the gate with intensity and energy, opening the contest with 10 unanswered points in the paint while keeping their opponents scoreless for almost four minutes of action. Junior forward De'Von Haggans (Harrisburg, PA, Central Dauphin) dominated the first half with his defensive energy, grabbing 10 boards and blocking 2 shots. Haggans would end with a team-high 16 rebounds, adding 10 points and 3 assists. 

Although facing a 12 point deficit five minutes into game, the Highlanders would battle back, hanging around with opportune three-pointers and swarming defense in the post. Watching their lead cut to just 1 with eight minutes left in the half, the Mounties would push the pace and work around the Houghton defense to once again extend their lead to 12 in the final three minutes of the first, but a handful of late Highlander layups and outside shots would end the half at 36-31 to the hosts. 

Although struggling from the field in the first, junior guard Will Hagwood (Willowick, Oh., South) would record his best performance of the season so far, scoring 25 points to go along with six rebounds and six assists. Hagwood took over the second half, recording an 18/4/3 in the final twenty minutes of the game on 8/11 shooting, scoring crucial Mountie baskets every time Houghton looked poised to make a comeback. Senior forward Reggie Priah (Cleveland, Ohio, Euclid) also stepped up for the Mounties, grabbing six offense boards and contributing to the Mount Aloysius's 21 second chance points. 

Similar to the first, the Mounties came out of halftime with impressive intensity, extending their lead to 17 five minutes into the second. The Highlanders responded with ball movement, looking for open threes while the Mounties experienced a cold shooting stretch, cutting the lead to just four with five minutes left to play. Hagwood again stepped up his game, scoring or assisting on the next four Mountie baskets to push the lead to double digits going into the final minute of action. Unable to work around the late-game Mount Aloysius defense, Houghton would score just two points in the final two minutes of the game, and the hosts would take home the 86-72 victory. 

Mount Aloysius men's basketball travels to Penn College this Tuesday, November 21st. The Wildcats enter the game 2-2, coming off a 62-86 loss to William Paterson University.