ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Jadyn Abrams scored 25 points, 18 in the first half, to lead the Nazareth Golden Flyers past the visiting Houghton Highlanders, 88-53, in the opening game of this year's Empire 8 conference play.
 
The Golden Flyers shot a scorching 63 percent from the floor in the first quarter, knocking down 12-of-19 shots to open up a 31-8 lead after the first 10 minutes.
 
Nazareth continued to shoot well until the closing quarter and led by 40 points, 79-39, heading into the final period. 
 
Houghton outscored the Golden Flyers, 14-9, in the final quarter, but it was too little, too late, as Nazareth cruised to the victory.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 53 | Nazareth – 88
Records: Houghton: 6-4 (0-1 Empire 8) | Nazareth: 6-4 (1-0 Empire 8)
Venue: Kidera Gymnasium, Nazareth College | Attendance: 150

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton shot only 26% from the floor (19-for-73), including only 16% (3-for-19) from beyond the arc.  Nazareth shot 48% (29-for-60 and 13-for-27, respectively) in both categories.
 
>> Natalie Rivera posted a new career-best 15 points and added three steals, while Alexis Klohr matched her career-best with 13 points.
 
>> In addition to her 25 points, Abrams added six assists, while Sabrina Wolfe and Caley Cornwell added 13 and 12 points apiece, respectively.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders travel to Keuka College on Tuesday, January 11 to take on the Wolves at 5:30 p.m.  This will be the first meeting between the two women's programs.