ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Nazareth Golden Flyers knocked down nearly 70 percent of their first half shots, and converted 19-of-20 from the free throw line for the game, defeating the visiting Houghton Highlanders, 101-68.
 
The Golden Flyers used multiple scoring bursts throughout the first half, including a 12-0 run just before the midway point and a 10-0 run shortly thereafter, establishing a hefty 57-30 lead at the break.
 
Nazareth's shooting exploits cooled in the second half, converting a pedestrian 43 percent from the field, while Houghton converted 11-of-17 free throws, as the Golden Flyers outscored the Highlanders by only six points in the second half, 44-38.
 
The hot start by the Golden Flyers ultimately proved too much of a disparity, as they improved to 7-1 in the conference.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 68 | Nazareth – 101
Records: Houghton: 5-12 (3-5 Empire 8) | Nazareth: 10-6 (7-1 Empire 8)
Venue: Kidera Gymnasium, Nazareth University | Attendance: 381

NOTABLE STATS
>> The Highlanders allowed 100 points for the first time this season.
 
>> Nazareth turned the ball over only nine times, while Houghton gave the ball away 17 times.
 
>> Luke Cole hit 8-of-12 shots, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, establishing a new career-best 19 points.
 
>> Jajuan Preaster added 14 points, five rebounds and three assists.  He now has 896 career points and has scored in double-digits in every game he has played this season. 
 
>> Trey Flatt and Preston Thomas chipped in 11 points apiece, while Thomas added five assists and seven rebounds.  Thomas has now scored at least 10 points in 14 games this season.
 
>> Jordan Haggard and Logan Blankenberg led the Golden Flyers with 22 and 20 points apiece, respectively.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center on Thursday, when they will take on the Keuka College Wolves at 7:30 p.m.