Box l Updated stats
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Junior Brad Ford amassed a game-high 20 points and 12 rebounds while junior Scott Hayford tallied a career-high 18 points to lead host Nazareth to a 77-52 Empire 8 men's basketball victory on Friday evening. The Golden Flyers used a balanced scoring attack to down the Hawks as four different players finished in double-digits in scoring.

With the victory, Nazareth improves to 8-3 overall and 1-0 in Empire 8 games. Hartwick slips to 6-5 overall and 0-2 in conference contests.

The Golden Flyers used an 11-2 run over the final four minutes of the first half to break a 27-27 tie. Brad Ford ignited the run with a layup, which was followed by a layup by senior Dan Waldbillig, another layup by Ford, and a three-point basket by junior Jack Giles. Ford capped the run by stealing the Hawks inbounds pass to convert another layup in the closing seconds after Giles' three-pointer. Ford's basket gave Nazareth a 38-29 lead at the break.

In the second half, Hartwick closed its deficit to six points, 46-40, with about 12 minutes to play in regulation after Aaron Laing and Kyle Bradley converted three-point opportunities. The Golden Flyers regained their double-digit lead moments later following jumpers by Brad Ford and senior Tyshun Stephens. Nazareth extended its lead to a game-high 15 points in the final minute by connecting on free throw opportunities. The Golden Flyers finished 15-19 (79 percent) from the charity stripe in the second half.

In addition to the points by Brad Ford and Hayford, Stephens finished with 14 points and a game-high nine assists. Giles added 10 points. The Golden Flyers maintained their lead by hitting timely three-point baskets in the second half, finishing the period 4-6 (67 percent) from behind the arc. Nazareth held the Hawks to shooting 2-12 (17 percent) from the three-point arc.

Jared Suderley had a team-high 18 points for Hartwick. Suderley entered Friday's game averaging over 20 points per game but was somewhat limited in the second half after collecting his fourth foul with about 16 minutes to play in the game. Bradley finished with 15 points and collected a team-high nine rebounds.

Nazareth finished with an overwhelming 40-24 advantage in total rebounds, including 11-4 in offensive rebounds. Stephens and Hayford collected six rebounds and five rebounds, respectively, in addition to Brad Ford's 12 boards.

The Golden Flyers have short rest as they host Stevens on Saturday, January 5th at 2 p.m. in another Empire 8 contest.