Box l Updated Stats

Hoboken, NJ – Host Stevens pulled away late in the fourth quarter to hand Nazareth its second consecutive conference loss, 55-49, Friday night.

With the defeat, Nazareth falls to 6-8 overall and 2-3 in Empire 8 play, while Stevens improves to 8-8 and 5-2, respectively.
 
Nazareth used a balance scoring attack all game, as sophomore forward Rachel Benedict was the leading scorer with 10 points (4-for-12).  She scored all of her points in the first half. 
 
Samantha Peebles, who is averaging 19.4 points per game this season, was held in single figures for the first time this season with nine points on 3-for-4 from the field.
 
Kristen Simmons (2-for-6) poured in eight points, while Delaney Martin (2-for-5) and Lizzie Straub (1-for-10) each had six points.
 
After trailing by six points following the first quarter, Nazareth outscored the Ducks 11-2 in the second quarter to take a 20-17 lead into the break.
 
Lizzie Straub hit one-of-two free throws with just under four minutes to play to give Nazareth its last lead of the game at 46-45.

Later in the quarter, Straub rattled in two free throws to bring the visitors within 49-48 at the 1:08 mark but Nazareth was held to just one free throw the rest of the game, allowing Stevens to pull away.
 
Both teams struggled from the floor in the game, with Nazareth going 15-for-47 (31.9 percent) and the Ducks, 18-for-52 (34 percent).

Nazareth returns to the hardwood Saturday, traveling to Hartwick for a 4 p.m. contest.