ROCHESTER, NY - An explosive first half from the Golden Flyers propelled them to a blowout victory over Houghton on Tuesday night. Nazareth improves to 7-4 overall on the season and 2-0 in Empire 8 conference play.  

How It Happened:

• After a quick opening four points for Houghton, the Golden Flyers responded with a 14-3 run of their own to take a 14-7 lead just five minutes in. 
• An efficient 10 points from Merritt Holly helped Nazareth extend their lead to 22-13, just over the halfway mark of the first half. 
• Nazareth's 51% shooting from the field powered a dominant first half for the Golden Flyers as they took a 45-26 lead into the locker room. 
• Merritt Holly, Tyler Putney, and Luke Insley led the way offensively.
• The Golden Flyers picked up right where it left off, using a 20–8 burst in the first nine minutes of the second half to push the margin to 65–34.
• Houghton would outscore Nazareth from that point on but it would prove to be too little too late, as Nazareth cruised to a 79-61 victory.

Game Notes:

• Merritt Holly recorded a double double (20 points, 11 rebounds)
• Jaylen Savage recorded a double double (14 points, 10 rebounds)
• Tyler Putney had 13 points, hitting three shots from beyond the arc
• Luke Insley scored 10 points and picked up 5 assists
• Will Burnett tacked on 4 points and added 2 rebounds
• Nick Purdie scored 4 points and added 3 rebounds

What's Next:

• The Golden Flyers return to action Friday, January 9th as they will travel to SUNY Geneseo for a 7:30 p.m. matchup.