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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Host Nazareth went toe to toe with nationally ranked RIT in non-conference women's basketball action Thursday, but the Tigers prevailed by pulling away in the fourth quarter for a 67-61 victory over the Golden Flyers. The game was played as part of the third annual Mark's Pizzeria Crosstown Shootout played at Nazareth's Kidera Gymnasium.

Freshman Jadyn Abrams scored a career-high 19 points for the Golden Flyers and junior Rachel Benedict posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds and Isabella Gjonaj had a career-high 17 rebounds. Nazareth dropped to 3-2 overall while the Tigers, ranked 13th nationally by d3hoops.com, remained unbeaten at 7-0.

Trailing for much of the first half, RIT rallied in the closing minutes of the second quarter to gain a three-point lead at the break, 29-26. Cori Okada scored 10 of her points including a pair of three-point baskets. Abrams scored 10 points in the first half for Nazareth and Gjonaj had 10 rebounds. Nazareth led 24-20 late in the second quarter following a three-point basket by Makalah Sizer and another bucket by Abrams. The Tigers scored the next nine points, capped by a three-pointer by Okada, and settled for a 29-26 lead at the break.

Held to just three points in the first half, Benedict helped to keep Nazareth in the game in the third quarter as she scored nine points. Nazareth tied the score at 40-40 late in the third quarter, but RIT's Brooke Stanley scored the last three points of the period, including a free throw with just :01 left to give the Tigers a three-point lead, 43-40, heading into the final 10 minutes of action.

The Golden Flyers were able to tie the score two more times in the fourth quarter, the final time coming at 50-50 on a three-point play by Lizzie Straub with 5:13 to go. A 9-2 scoring run over the next four minutes all but sealed the deal for the Tigers. Abrams kept it close by hitting a three-pointer with 1:07 to go and a pair of free throws with :34 left, but the Golden Flyers weren't able to draw closer.

Four players for RIT reached double figures, led by Okada's 20, Tara Lynch added 18, Sabrina Wolfe 14 and Stanley 11.

Action continues Saturday with Nazareth hosting Rochester at 8 p.m. St. John Fisher and RIT meet at 6.