ROCHESTER, N.Y. – In the first Empire 8 conference matchup of the year, the Nazareth Golden Flyers defeated the visiting Houghton Highlanders, 97-69, on Friday night.
 
Zach Stenglein (21 points, five assists) and Cody Green (20 points) led the way, as the Golden Flyers shot an impressive 55 percent from the floor and capitalized on 22 Houghton turnovers.
 
The Highlanders opened up an early lead in the game's first five minutes before Nazareth caught fire, reeling off a 13-2 run over a three minute stretch to go up by 10 points.
 
The margin remained at 10 over the ensuing five minutes before Nazareth heated up again, breaking off a 10-0 run before eventually heading into the break up 18.
 
In the second half Houghton would hold the Golden Flyers to a near even statline until the waning minutes, but the Highlanders could not crack the Nazareth defense, coming no closer than a 21-point deficit. 
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 69 | Nazareth – 97
Records: Houghton: 2-10 (0-1 Empire 8) | Nazareth: 9-3 (1-0 Empire 8)
Venue: Kidera Gymnasium, Nazareth College | Attendance: 250

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton freshman Billy McCrae turned in another solid performance, notching 18 points and seven rebounds, while fellow rookie Reece Gustafson dished out three assists and went 3-for-5 from the field and 2-for-2 from the line for a career best nine points.
 
>> Stephen Gabel scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and Jonathan Park added 18 points and seven rebounds, for the Golden Flyers.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center tomorrow afternoon when they will host the St. John Fisher Cardinals at 2:00 p.m.