ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Some hot shooting and well-timed defense over the middle two quarters tightened the grip of the Nazareth Golden Flyers on second place in the Empire 8, defeating the Houghton Highlanders on Friday night, 73-51.
 
At the conclusion of the first quarter the Highlanders held a two point lead, 18-16, which they quickly bumped to five points on an Abby Guiher three in the first minute of the second. 
 
But Nazareth responded with a 16-0 run, giving them a nine-point advantage, and some much-needed momentum. 
 
In the second quarter the Golden Flyers would hit 69 percent of their shots (9-for-13) from the floor, and all three of their shots from beyond the arc.  By the half Nazareth held a 40-25 advantage.
 
While their shooting cooled off a bit, Nazareth would outscore the Highlanders in the third quarter, 18-7.  And while Houghton would continue to battle, taking the final 10 minutes, 19-15, the damage had been done, and the Golden Flyers picked up their 15^th win of the season.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 51 | Nazareth – 73
Records: Houghton: 14-5 (7-5 Empire 8) | Nazareth: 15-5 (11-2 Empire 8)
Venue: Kidera Gymnasium, Nazareth College | Attendance: 300

NOTABLE STATS
>> After shooting 47 percent (8-for-17) in the first quarter, the Highlanders converted on only 10-of-47 (21 percent) shots the remainder of the game.  Houghton did, however, sink all 10 of their free throws in the fourth quarter.
 
>> Carlee Miller led the Highlanders with 11 points, while Natalie Rivera came off the bench to score eight points and grab three steals.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to Rochester tomorrow afternoon when they will play the St. John Fisher Cardinals at 2:00 p.m.