ROCHESTER, N.Y.—  Although the Men's Basketball team was able to stay on the heels of Nazareth College in the latter half of Tuesday night's game, the Highlanders' slow start in the first half resulted in the 84-66 Golden Flyers' victory.

After an initial 9 point lead at the start of the game, Nazareth's scoring spree was interrupted by Tyler McQuaid (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian Academy). The Golden Flyers soon led the Highlanders 25-10. Regardless of Houghton's persistence in scoring, Phil Pellegrino's (Rochester, NY, Brighton) 3-point shot brought them right back to a 15 point deficit.

With 5 minutes left in the first half and in a span of one minute, Brandon Camacho (Dundee, NY, Dundee High School) was able to sink 2 free throws and a layup. Camacho's efforts were not enough as Houghton fell short 43-27 going into the second half.

It took 8 Golden Flyer points before the Highlanders would answer back. Through the efforts of Camacho and Pellegrino, Houghton was able to rally 9 points nearly consecutively. Nazareth, however, took their biggest lead of the game with 11:23 remaining in the game.

The Highlanders' were able to gradually minimize their 22 point deficit to 69-54. As a result of successful Golden Flyer free throws, Nazareth led a 15-12 run. McQuaid's 5 consecutive Highlander points at the end of the second half were not enough for a Houghton victory. The Golden Flyers took the 84-66 conference win.

Camacho was credited with 14 points on the night, followed by Pellegrino with 13 and McQuaid with 12.

The Highlanders will play their next game at home on Friday, February 6^th against Ithaca College at 8 p.m.