Box Score l Updated Stats

ROCHESTER, NY –  RIT used a 23 point third quarter spurt to fuel a 68-52 win over the Nazareth women's basketball team Friday night in the first game of the Mark's Crosstown Pizzeria Shootout.    

Nazareth falls to 3-2 with the loss, while RIT improves to 5-0. 

RIT led for the entire first half, aside from a traditional 3-point play from Rachel Benedict at the 2:21 mark of the first quarter to make it 11-10 Golden Flyers.  Benedict had seven first half points on 3-for-7 from the floor.

The Tigers biggest lead of the quarter was eight, 27-19 with 1:09 left in the half.  On the ensuing possession, Lizzie Straub drilled a 3-pointer.

RIT led 29-24 at the break.

In the third quarter, Nazareth cut the lead to 42-40 with 3:24 to play following a Samantha Peebles layup.  RIT, however, closed on a 10-2 run to open up 52-42 lead.  Sam Sorge had a strong quarter for the Golden Flyers, going 4-for-5 for 10 points.

RIT controlled most of the fourth quarter with a double digit advantage.  Sorge hit a jumper with six minutes remaining to cut the Tigers lead to 57-49. 

RIT closed the game on an 11-3 run to seal the victory.

Sorge finished with a game-high 18 points on 7-of-13, to go along with seven rebounds.  Peebles was also 7-for-13, good for 16 points.  She had six rebounds and two steals.

Benedict went for 13 points (6-for-12).  Shelby Benjamin grabbed seven boards.

Nazareth struggled to take care of the ball in the game, ending with 21 turnovers. 

Nazareth returns to action on Saturday when it wills square off against the University of Rochester at 6 p.m. at St. John Fisher.