Box Score Box | Updated stats
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Host Nazareth trimmed an 11-point deficit to three points in the final seconds, but Elmira held off the Golden Flyers' furious rally to defeat Nazareth 47-44. Seniors Brittany Wilson and Katie Kollar combined to score the final 15 points of the game for the Golden Flyers. Wilson and Kollar finished with 15 points apiece.

Following the loss, Nazareth drops to 9-5 overall and 2-2 in Empire 8 contests. The Soaring Eagles improve to 6-9 overall with the win. Elmira is also 2-2 in conference games.

With 5:33 remaining in regulation, the Soaring Eagles stretched their lead to a game-high 11 points, 38-27. The Golden Flyers embarked on a 17-7 scoring run spanning just over five minutes to cut their deficit to 45-44 with 18 seconds to play in regulation. After Elmira's Darcy James converted 1-2 from the free throw line, the Soaring Eagles' pressure defense double-teamed senior Erica Shaw in the backcourt. To avoid the five-second count, Shaw threw the ball toward a teammate at midcourt but the pass went out of bounds. Nazareth's hopes stayed alive after Jessica Zoltowsky could only connect 1-2 from the charity stripe, but the Golden Flyers could not get off a game-tying three-point attempt before the buzzer.

Shaw ignited Nazareth's 17-7 run with a two-point jumper. Wilson scored the Golden Flyers' next nine points with two baskets and converting 5-6 free throw shots. After her free throws, Wilson fouled out with about a minute remaining. Kollar took over with two three-point baskets to match the Soaring Eagles' free throws. Kollar connected on her shots from beyond the arc with 58 seconds and 18 seconds remaining in regulation. Both of Kollar's shots came from the left wing of the arc. The Golden Flyers' defense held Elmira without a field goal for over five minutes during the attempted rally.

A layup by senior Ashley Gallagher temporarily gave Nazareth a 25-24 lead with 13:37 to play in the second half. Gallagher's layup was made possible by a long pass by Shaw. Alexis Perryman reclaimed the Soaring Eagles' lead with a layup. Elmira then built the only double-digit lead of the game with its decisive 14-2 scoring run.

In the first half, the Golden Flyers' offense struggled to find its rhythm as Nazareth finished 3-27 (11 percent) on their field goals, including 0-8 on three-point attempts. The Golden Flyers stayed in the game by hitting 8-11 (73 percent) free throws and recording a 26-19 advantage on the glass through the first period. Elmira connected on just 5-25 (20 percent) of its field goal attempts, but were a perfect 9-9 from the charity stripe.

Nazareth's offensive struggles allowed the Soaring Eagles to finish the half on a 7-0 scoring run in the final 2:12 and spotted Elmira a 22-14 lead at the break. Zoltowsky scored 15 points during the first 20 minutes and finished with a game-high 24 points. The Golden Flyers' defense built an early 6-0 lead after shutting Elmira out through the first 6:27 of the game.

Wilson had a game-high 14 rebounds in addition to her 15 points to help Nazareth finish with a 46-37 advantage on the glass. Shaw finished with three assists while senior Danielle Chamberlain and Kollar each tallied three steals.

The Golden Flyers travel to Stevens and Hartwick for two conference road games on January 20th and 21st. Nazareth returns to the Kidera Gymnasium to host St. John Fisher on the 24th.