Box Score l Updated Stats

ROCHESTER, NY – Visiting St. John Fisher overcame a 16-point halftime deficit to down Nazareth 63-56 Thursday in the first matchup of the Battle of the Beaks.  Nazareth was held to just five field goals in the second half, 5-for-30 (17percent).  All proceeds from the contest are donated to the Golisano Children's Hospital, most notably those born prematurely.

Fisher gains ground on Nazareth in the standings with the win.  The Golden Flyers fall to 7-10 overall and 3-5 in Empire 8 play, while Fisher improves to 8-9 and 5-3, respectively.

The Golden Flyers led 35-19 at halftime, however, a stingy third quarter for the Cardinals brought them back into the contest.

In the third quarter, Fisher ramped up the defensive pressure with a full court press, generating 11 points off turnovers. 

The turnovers, combined with foul trouble to its primary ball handler Peebles, allowed the Cardinals to go on a 27-13 run.  Nazareth shot just 2-for-14 in the quarter, clinging to a 48-46 advantage heading into the final frame.

Fisher took the lead at 52-51 with 6:20 to play in the game – it was the Cardinals first lead since the 5:28 mark of the opening quarter. 

A layup from Rose Pedretti helped Nazareth regain the lead briefly, however, Fisher took the lead on the ensuing possession at 54-53 with five minutes on the clock – the Cardinals would not surrender the lead the rest of the contest.

Nazareth connected on three 3-pointers in the opening quarter to jump out to a 17-12 lead.  Sam Sorge, Samantha Peebles and Lizzie Straub each dialed in from 3-point range.

The beginning of the second quarter belonged to the Golden Flyers as they went on a 14-1 over a 6:13 span, opening up a 31-13 margin.  Shelby Benjamin started the run with a bucket and two free throws.  Rachel Benedict capped the spurt with a 3–pointer.

Nazareth went 12-for-25 (50 percent) in the first half, while Fisher struggled, going 6-for-24 (25 percent). 

Peebles was Nazareth's leading scorer with 12 points (4-of-9), to go along with four assists.  Sorge (4-for-17) and Benedict each poured in 11 points.  Benedict also grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds.

Straub had nine points.

Nazareth continues its homestand on Saturday, hosting Alfred at 2 p.m.