Gordon’s Career High Pushes Golden Eagles Past Houghton

BROCKPORT, N.Y. — It was a career day for sophomore guard Nathaniel Gordon, whose game-high 25 points and career-high seven three-pointers helped the Golden Eagles secure a key Empire 8 victory over the Houghton Highlanders 88-76.

The two schools entered the game as the top two offenses in the Empire 8 Conference, with the Highlanders averaging 82 points per game and the Golden Eagles 79.

Houghton was led by Lou Bellamy and Jajuan Preaster, who is averaging 17 points per game, while Christian Sage averages 15. Sage was the leading scorer for the Highlanders with 22 points while Preaster had 20, but it wasn't enough for a Houghton victory.

The Highlanders started hot with two quick threes from Preston Thomas and Sage to take a 6-4 lead at the 17:25 mark in the first half. That was the last lead Houghton had for the game, as the Golden Eagles controlled the tempo throughout and kept the top offense in the Empire 8 in check.

The Golden Eagles were without four key players — top scorers Tony Arnold, Mekhi Beckett, Adewale Fasanmi, and Jahki Lucas. Key role players like Alex Tavarez, Jakai White, and Emilio Nabli stepped up, helping the Golden Eagles build a sizable 39-25 lead at halftime.

Brockport head coach Joe Clarke was pleased with his team’s performance in the first half.

“I thought we did an excellent job when the shot went up. Guards actually came from the arc to go get the ball and finish the play,” Clarke said. “Effort and energy. I think those guys brought it yesterday in practice and were rewarded today. Guys were locked in, focused, attacked the glass really hard. They just listened to coaching, and it translated.”

Clarke also praised his team's defense, particularly their work against Bellamy and Preaster, holding them to a combined four points.

“We kept people in front and did a pretty good job on 40 and 21 inside. Guys that are really good — we’ve got to do a better job of getting back after makes and communicating.”

The second half was better for the Highlanders, but it was too little, too late. Eight three-pointers from the Golden Eagles stretched the gap. Rebounding and second-chance points were also pivotal, as junior Zachary Rice posted a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Rice’s mindset was to attack the glass and help his teammates get opportunities.

“More offensive rebounds. Sometimes [Jacob] Oka is always down there by himself, so my mindset the past few games has just been to go in there, use my athleticism, and get a rebound for us,” Rice said.

Despite his career day, Gordon did not take all the credit for himself.

“It was just my teammates finding me and getting me multiple shots, and I was just able to knock them down,” Gordon said.

The Golden Eagles are currently at .500 with a 6-1 conference record, sitting in second place in the Empire 8. They return home tomorrow to face Alfred University at 4 p.m. Tune in for pregame on 89.1 the Point at 3:45 p.m.