HOUGHTON, NY – The Nazareth Golden Flyers held on in the waning seconds to defeat the Houghton Highlanders on their home court, 76-70.
 
Houghton led by as many as nine points with just over six minutes to play in the first half, only to see the Golden Flyers come all the way back to take a one-point lead into the half.
 
The teams traded leads throughout the second half, neither leading by more than four points at any point.
 
With only 17 seconds remaining Nazareth clung to a one-point lead.  Houghton's Trey Flatt grabbed the rebound and called timeout after crossing halfcourt, giving the Highlanders one final look with less than 11 seconds to play. 
 
But on the ensuing inbounds play, the Houghton player receiving the ball stepped out of bounds, giving possession back to Nazareth.  
 
Forced to foul, Houghton put the Golden Flyers on the charity stripe, where they did not falter.  Nazareth hit seven free throws in the final seconds to pull away for the win.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 70 | Nazareth – 76
Records: Houghton: 5-5 (0-1 Empire 8) | Nazareth: 7-4 (2-0 Empire 8)
Venue: The Nielsen Center at Houghton University | Attendance: 125

NOTABLE STATS
>> Nazareth knocked down 11-of-27 (40.7%) three-point shots, including 6-of-13 (46.2%) in the second half, while Houghton converted only 4-of-22 (18.2%) from beyond the arc.
 
>> Lou Bellamy recorded his sixth double-double of the season, scoring a game-high 26 points, while grabbing 13 rebounds and dishing out our assists.  He has scored at least 20 points five times this season.
 
>> Christian Sage scored 20 points (14 in the second half), and tallied a team-high five assists.  He has scored at least 20 points in a game three times this season.
 
>> Three players –Luke Insley, Tyler Putney, and Jaylen Savage—scored 75 percent of the Golden Flyers' points.  Insley posted 20 points and nine assists, while Putney and Savage scored 19 and 18 points apiece, respectively.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"That was a great college basketball game. Credit to Nazareth for making the plays to pull that out in the end.
 
"We missed some opportunities late but made huge strides in our defense, ball possession, and execution. To have a chance against a conference runner-up without our second leading scorer (Jajuan Preaster) is a testament to guys stepping up, especially guys like David Rosa, Preston Thomas, Donovan Loudermill, and Trey Flatt on defense. We hope Jajuan will be healthy again for this weekend's back-to-back.
 
"Lou Bellamy continues to shine. He's just racking up double-doubles. His finds on assists were tremendous. His communication was at a high level. This is just the start for him.
 
"Christian Sage had a great bounce-back game tonight. He did it with his jumper, driving, passing, and leadership. He made a lot of big plays and continues to control the game well. I'm blessed to have him helping lead this squad. We're better because he's here." – Head Coach Jeremy Bialek
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center this Friday, January 10, when they will host the Keuka Wolves at 7:30 p.m.