You can throw season records right out the window when Roberts and Houghton come together late in the year. Roberts came into the Thursday evening's contest at the Nielson Physical Education Center riding a seven game winning streak while Houghton had lost their last six games.
Roberts jumped on the Highlanders quickly, powering out to an 18-4 lead behind
Alif Bland's play at both ends. Houghton regrouped and began chipping away at the lead, eventually cutting the deficit to one point on a Devin Paige layup as time in the first half expired.
The Highlanders were tough to put away on this night, a game that had been originally scheduled for February first but was snowed out. Ultimately the Raiders size inside and clutch free throw shooting down the stretch ended Houghton's chance for an upset.
Dan Foley went 6-6,
Justin Andreozzi shot 7-8, and
Jake Russell went a perfect 4-4 from the charity stripe as the game opened up for Roberts.
Alif Bland had a strong performance with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 blocked shots.
Jordan Heath scored 15 points and
Dan Foley contributed 14.
Justin Andreozzi scored 9 points to go with 6 rebounds. Houghton's Devin Paige led all scorers with 25 points while Ryan Shay added 12 points.
The Raiders have now won their last eight games in a row and 10 out of their last 11. The Raiders travel to Wilberforce, just outside Columbus, Ohio on Friday for a Saturday afternoon contest.
If the Raiders defeat Wilberforce and either Cedarville University or Malone University comes up short in their final contest, the Raiders will be hosting an AMC playoff game on Tuesday night at 7:00. If both the Yellowjackets and Pioneers win, the Raiders will be heading to Malone to take on the Pioneers in Canton, Ohio on Tuesday night. Cedarville will be home to take on Notre Dame while Malone is on the road at Mt. Vernon Nazarene on Saturday. If both Cedarville and Malone lose, Roberts would jump into second place with a victory of their own and play the winner of Daemen and Point Park who will be playing for the final playoff spot also on Saturday.
