ELMIRA, NY – Host Elmira led for most of the contest and costly turnovers down the stretch by the Golden Flyers  resulted in a 66-62 defeat Tuesday night.   It was Nazareth's first loss against the Soaring Eagles since the 2013-14 season, snapping a streak of six-straight wins head-to-head.

With the loss, the Golden Flyers drop to 7-9 overall and 3-4 in Empire 8 play, while Elmira moves to 10-6 and 2-5, respectively.

The gritty Golden Flyers clawed all the way back from down 12 in the third quarter, as a layup from Samantha Peebles tied the game at 55 apiece with just over three minutes to play.

After Elmira's Danielle Cleary answered with a 3-pointer, Rachel Benedict drained from deep to tie and later knocked down two free throws for a 60-58 lead at 2:04. She finished with a game-high 26 points (10-for-19) and seven rebounds.

With the score tied at 62, Nazareth turned the ball over, only to have the Soaring Eagles get called for a five second violation, giving possession back to the Golden Flyers.

Nazareth turned the ball over once again and Elmira came down to sink a layup with six seconds to play.  Coming out of the timeout, Nazareth had the ball over midcourt, but made it three turnovers in the final :28 seconds to ruin a comeback attempt.

Both teams started slow from the floor, as Elmira held a 27-24 halftime lead.

Nazareth started just 3-for-17 (27.6 percent) in the opening quarter, getting behind 12-9.

In the second quarter, Peebles connected on one of her two first half 3-pointers, to give the visitors a brief 21-19 advantage.  Peebles finished with 20 points (7-for-12) and seven boards.

Isabella Gjonaj had two rebounds. 

Nazareth returns home on the weekend, hosting Utica at 8 p.m. Friday and Sage Saturday at 4 p.m.