ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Nazareth Golden Flyers pulled away in the second half to defeat the Houghton Highlanders on Tuesday night, 74-50, in this year's Empire 8 conference opener.
 
After entering halftime knotted, 28-28, Houghton's AJ Bass hit a jumper just over 30 seconds into the second period to put Houghton up by two.  Over the next few minutes, though, the Golden Flyers would reel off a 10-0 run, building a commanding lead from which the Highlanders would never recover.
 
Nazareth continued to separate throughout the half, eventually pushing their lead past the 20-point mark in the closing minutes.
 
Defensive pressure and ball control proved the biggest differences between the first and second halves.  While Nazareth maintained a slim, 9-8, turnover differential in the first half, that gap widened significantly in the second half, as the Golden Flyers committed only one turnover, while the Highlanders gave the ball away 12 times.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 50 | Nazareth – 74
Records: Houghton: 0-10 (0-1 Empire 8) | Nazareth: 9-1 (1-0 Empire 8)
Venue: Kidera Gymnasium, Nazareth College | Attendance: 200

NOTABLE STATS
>> Josh Jordan turned in another solid performance for the Highlanders, scoring 14 points and pulling down nine boards.  He is currently shooting 70% from the floor on the season, and since returning from Christmas break has scored 31 points, converting 14-of-18 (78%) shots, over two games.
 
>> Noah Campbell, who entered tonight's game with five points through his first 10 collegiate games, scored 12 points on 4-for-9 shooting.  Billy McCrae also chipped in 12 points for the Highlanders.
 
>> Stephen Gabel picked up a double-double for the Golden Flyers, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.  Logan Blankenberg also scored 16 points, and Jonathan Park added 14 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders travel to Keuka College on Tuesday, January 11 to take on the Wolves at 7:30 p.m.  The two programs are 1-1 against each other, but have not met since January 9, 2013, when the Wolves defeated the Highlanders, 77-53.