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ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Senior Corey McAdam scored 27 of his career-high 39 points in the first half Friday to lift host Nazareth to a 77-67 men's basketball victory over Elmira at the Kidera Gymnasium.

The Golden Flyers improved to 7-1 in Empire 8 and 12-5 overall. Elmira dropped to 3-13 overall and 1-6 in conference games.

McAdam made 9 of 12 first-half shots, including a three-pointer and went 8 for 10 from the free-throw line as Nazareth built a 10-point advantage and never trailed thereafter. The score was tied at 16-16 midway through the first half when the Golden Flyers went on a 14-4 scoring spree that ended with a 30-20 advantage.

McAdam started the run with a pair of free throws and then two driving layups. Greg Lothridge made two free throws, then McAdam hit a three-pointer, another layup and a free throw to complete the surge.

Elmira stayed close in the second half, closing to within five points on three separate occasions, before the Golden Flyers persevered.

Elmira's Jon Adamson converted a three-point play with 3:18 left to trim Nazareth's lead to 71-65, but McAdam scored Nazareth's final six points -- all from the foul line -- to close out the victory. McAdam's 39 points were just one shy of the school record of 40 set by Richard Sparks in 1986. Overall, McAdam made 10 of 17 shots and 18 of 22 free throws. He also passed for five assists.

Lothridge added 12 points, five rebounds and four blocks for Nazareth and freshman Tyshun Stephens had 10 points and five rebounds.

Junior Bobby DiPiazza was Elmira's high scorer with 19 points. Zach Simpson added 15 and Adamson 13.

Nazareth shot well from the field -- 24 for 47, 51.1. percent -- and made 28 of 36 free throws. Nazareth also had a 36-29 rebounding advantage with Phil Scaffidi, Jake Fladd and McAdam each grabbing six.

Nazareth continues its Empire 8 Conference schedule Tuesday with a road game at St. John Fisher at 8 p.m.