FREDONIA, N.Y. -- Behind a double-double from Aliyah Hopkins, the Fredonia State women's basketball team improved to 3-0 with a 78-66 victory over Houghton on Saturday afternoon at Dods Hall.
The Blue Devils never trailed after the opening quarter, using a 30-point first period to build an early advantage before withstanding several Houghton runs throughout the second half. Fredonia led 48-35 at halftime and pushed its margin to as many as 21 points in the third quarter on the way to the non-conference win.
Hopkins controlled the paint throughout the afternoon, finishing with a game-high 25 points and 16 rebounds while adding three assists. She shot 10-for-18 from the floor and grabbed seven offensive rebounds.
Ashley Kalvitis provided another strong all-around performance with 18 points, six assists, four rebounds, and three steals. Ava Brazier added 14 points and nine rebounds, helping Fredonia dominate inside with a 60-22 advantage in points in the paint.
Grace Alexander contributed 10 points, five assists, three steals, and a blocked shot, while Alexys Neckers chipped in six points and three assists.
Fredonia shot 52.3 percent from the field and finished with 22 assists on 34 made baskets. The Blue Devils also held a 41-25 rebounding advantage and converted 19 Houghton turnovers into 22 points.
The Highlanders trimmed a 21-point deficit to seven points midway through the fourth quarter, pulling within 68-61 on a jumper by Keely Mullins with 5:37 remaining. Fredonia answered with a 10-3 run, highlighted by six points from Hopkins, to put the game out of reach.
