ROCHESTER, NY – In a game that featured 18 lead changes, William Smith procured the final swing on a layup with .3 seconds on the clock to give the visitors a 61-60 win over Nazareth Friday night.  The contest was back-and-forth all night, with the largest lead being six by William Smith in the first half.

With the victory, the Herons improve to 5-3 overall, while Nazareth, losers of its last four, drops to 2-5.

Following a Nazareth turnover off an inbounds play, William Smith called a timeout with 10.7 seconds remaining, trailing 60-59.  The Herons were initially caught off guard coming out of the timeout as Nazareth came out in a 2-3 zone, however, Mia Morrison found an open seam to convert with .3 left on the clock to secure the win. She had a game-high 22 points on 9-of-16 from the field.

The first half was tightly contested with the largest lead coming from the Herons at 17-11 late in the first quarter.  Shortly after, Nazareth put together a well-executed play off the timeout as Rachel Benedict made it 17-14 at the end of the opening quarter.

In the second quarter, Kristen Simmons drained a 3-pointer for a 23-22 advantage. The Herons held a 24-23 lead at halftime.

Nazareth was 9-for-26 (34.6 percent) to start the game and William Smith was 8-for-24 (33.3 percent).

After scoring just three points in the first half, Samantha Peebles came alive in the third quarter scoring 12 of Nazareth's 18 points to take a 41-40 lead in the final quarter.  The senior was 3-for-5 in the quarter from the field and 6-for-6 from the charity stripe.

The fourth quarter saw eight lead changes.  Coming out of a timeout, Simmons converted her second 3-pointer of the game, giving the Golden Flyers a 58-56 lead with :42 seconds remaining.   

Following the Herons tying the score on the ensuing possession, Peebles remained perfect on the day (8-for-8) from the line, adding two more for a two point lead, 60-58.  The senior had 21 points (6-for-14) and five assists. 

Benedict recorded a double-double with 19 points (5-for-11) and 11 boards.

Nazareth returns home on Saturday, hosting Fredonia at 2 p.m.