BOXSCORE | CUMULATIVE STATS
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Senior Joe Canori led a five-player Nazareth contingent in double figures with 22 points Tuesday as host Nazareth defeated RIT in men's basketball, 86-79, at the Kidera Gymnasium.

The victory was Nazareth's third over the Tigers this season and boosted the Golden Flyers' record to 12-4 overall, including 5-2 in the Empire 8 Conference. RIT is 9-8 overall and 3-5 in conference games. Nazareth also defeated RIT, 95-82 in overtime, Dec. 4 and 88-82 in the opening round of the JPMorgan Chase Tournament Jan. 9.

Nazareth trailed 30-28 at halftime and the Golden Flyers were down by seven, 56-49, following a basket by RIT's Kenny Gethers with 10:08 left. Nazareth, however, scored the next 10 points to go up, 59-56, and the Golden Flyers never trailed again.

Corey McAdam started the run with two free throws. Rayvon Higdon added a free throw and McAdam and Canori each made baskets to tie the score at 56-56. After a McAdam steal, Higdon drilled a three-pointer to complete the run.

The game stayed close until the closing minute when Higdon sank three free throws and Canori two to keep the Golden Flyers on top.

Canori's 22 points included three three-point baskets. He also grabbed five rebounds. McAdam had 18 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and six steals. Senior Tyler Smith contributed 15 points and six rebounds. Ryan McAdam, playing his first game since Jan. 4, came off the bench to score 13 points and grab a team-high 10 rebounds and Higdon scored 11 points.

Nazareth benefited in the second half from its defensive intensity as it forced 14 of RIT's 22 turnovers. Nazareth also shot 58.1 percent (18 for 31) from the field in the second half after a rough first half (10 for 31).

Gethers led the Tigers with 22 points, including 20 in the second half. Junior Mark Carson added 20 points and a game-high 16 rebounds.

Nazareth plays at home again Friday against Elmira at 8 p.m. and hits the road for four straight conference games.