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HOBOKEN, N.J. -- Host Stevens used a stifling defense to build an 18-point halftime lead Sunday and the Ducks went on to defeat Nazareth in Empire 8 women's basketball action, 51-37.

Nazareth dropped to 2-2 in Empire 8 Conference games and 7-3 overall. Stevens remained unbeaten in conference games at 4-0 and is 6-4 overall.

The Golden Flyers made only four of 26 first-half shots (15.4 percent) and only 11 baskets in 55 attempts overall for a season-low 20 percent. In addition, the Golden Flyers shot just 4 for 20 from three-point range. Stevens' Jill Barrett scored 12 of her game-high 13 points in the first half t o fuel a 34-16 Ducks' lead.

The Ducks seized control early, racing to a 13-2 lead in the first eight minutes. Their lead stayed in double digits for much of the first half and reached 34-16 on Barrett's jumper with :08 left.

Nazareth used a 21-7 second-half scoring run to close within four points, 41-37, following a pair of free throws by Brittany Wilson with 4:34 to play. Stevens, however, regained control by closing out the game with 10 straight points, while keeping the Golden Flyers off the scoreboard in the process.

Victoria O'Connor began the run with a short jumper and Brittany Fuller followed with a basket with 3:04 to go. The lead returned to double digits at 51-41 on a pair of free throws by Dawn Garcia with 1:44 to go. Stevens extended the lead with three more free throws from Fuller and one by O'Connor.

Wilson was Nazareth's leading scorer with 11 points. Senior Kelly Dunne added 10 and sophomore Brittany Tallchief grabbed a team-best 10 rebounds. For Stevens, in addition to Barrett's 13 points, Fuller, Gacria and O'Connor each finished with 10. Barrett also had a game-high 12 rebounds.

Nazareth is home Tuesday to play RIT at 6 p.m.