ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Nazareth Golden Flyers jumped out to a huge lead early and just kept knocking down shots, defeating the Houghton Highlanders on Friday night, 96-55.
 
The Golden Flyers hit 50 percent of their shots from the floor (36-for-72), but also knocked down 50 percent of their shots from long range (15-for-30) and converted all nine of their free throws.
 
Nazareth capitalized on numerous runs in the first half, eventually leading at the break, 50-19.
 
Houghton refused to quit, but the Golden Flyers defense and ability to make shots from all areas of the floor kept the Highlanders at bay over the remaining 20 minutes.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 55 | Nazareth – 96
Records: Houghton: 5-14 (4-8 Empire 8) | Nazareth: 16-4 (10-3 Empire 8)
Venue: Kidera Gymnasium, Nazareth College | Attendance: 800

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton freshman Esafe Taufahema did his best to keep the Highlanders in the game, reeling in 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting.  He has now scored at least 20 points in a game five times in his inaugural season.
 
>> David Rosa picked up eight points, six rebounds and three steals on the night.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"It was one of those games where you need to learn some things and move on to tomorrow.
 
"Nazareth showed definitively tonight that they are more than just the best defensive team in the conference. They have so many shooters and plenty of willing passers that find open guys. Our second and third defensive rotations just were not there or were late.
 
"When Esafe puts up 23 points against the league's top defense without our leading scorer in the line-up, that is a really solid night for a freshman." – Head Coach Jeremy Bialek
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to Rochester tomorrow afternoon when they will play the St. John Fisher Cardinals at 4:00 p.m.