The St. John Fisher College men's basketball team earned its first Empire 8 win of the year with an 80-70 victory over Houghton College on Friday night. With the win, the Cardinals improve to 6-4 on the year and 1-0 in the conference.

After starting the game on a 5-0 run, the Cardinals cooled off, yet remained ahead by a slim margin. Midway through the half though, the tides turned as Houghton claimed the lead. The Highlanders would remain ahead for the remainder of the half (up by as much as nine at one point), but a Daniel Morales three-pointer with four seconds left, allowed the Cardinals to take a 41-39 lead into the locker room.

Fisher never gave up the lead in the second half, slowly increasing their lead over the stanza until they eventually claimed victory.

Tyler English led all Cardinals offensively, putting up 17 on the night. He was followed by Ryan Henderson whose 16 eclipsed his career high which was just set last game. Keegan Ryan chipped in 11 as well, seven of which came from the free throw line.

Henderson also dominated the paint as his nine rebounds led the team. Jordan Gilman and Ryan each nabbed five.

The Cardinals did a good job spreading around the ball as well, the team collecting 13 assists total. Michael D'Amico and Dennis Hare accounted for four a piece.

Fisher will return to action at 4 p.m. on Saturday as it takes on Alfred University on the road.