HOUGHTON, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher University men's basketball team was on the road on Thursday to play their final road game of the 2024 regular season. The Cardinals were able to use a strong second half to secure the 98-87 victory and move their record to 16-8 overall and 12-3 against Empire 8 opposition.
 
The Cardinals jumped out to an early lead thanks to makes by Jack Foley and Daniel Cook. The advantage grew to nine points with 12:47 to play, but the Highlanders steadied themselves and got into a groove. They used a 15-2 run to grab a 24-20 lead with 7:14 on the clock. The teams traded runs towards the end of the first half, but it was Houghton that led 43-40 going into the break.
 
Cook scored back-to-back buckets to start the second half to give the Cardinals the lead once again. The Highlanders quickly reestablished their advantage and held it until 9:37 on the clock, when Joshua Lopez converted a fastbreak layup to push Fisher in front 72-71. Connor Recore and Brendan McRoy helped grow the advantage to six points multiple times, but the Highlanders did not quit and once again evened the score at 82 with 5:40 to go. A key three-point play by Foley along with scores by Cook helped the Cardinals take control of the game late and win 89-87.
 
Cook led the way with an incredible 28 point, 18 rebound double-double, while adding three steals. Connor Williams was impressive off the bench with career highs in points with 16 and rebounds with 14.
 
The Cardinals will play their season finale at home on Saturday, Feb. 17 against their cross-town rival, Nazareth University. The matchup is slated for a 4 p.m. tip-off.
 
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