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ROCHESTER, NY – Rachel Benedict recorded game highs with 17 points and 15 rebounds including a defensive rebound in the closing seconds to seal the victory as the Nazareth College women's basketball team posted a 54-50 victory over St. John Fisher in an Empire 8 matchup Tuesday in the Manning and Napier gymnasium.

It was a modified hook shot by Benedict with three minutes left followed by a driving layup by Lizzie Straub that opened up a nine-point lead as the Golden Flyers (10-5 overall, 5-1 E8) took a 49-40 advantage.

St. John Fisher (10-6, 4-3) battled back and connected on a pair of 3-point baskets to trim the lead including one with 13.9 seconds left that made it a two-point game at 52-50.

Elizabeth White made one of two free throws to extend the lead to three points.

The Cardinals called their final time out and advanced the ball to mid court but a missed 3-pointer was rebounded by Benedict who was fouled with 2.6 seconds remaining.

The junior forward made one of two free throws to make it a 54-50 lead and the Cardinals missed a final half-court shot to end the game.

 Benedict led all players with her 17 points and 15 rebounds for her 10th double-double of the season. Freshman Jadyn Abrams scored 15 and Erica Bradley added 11 points as she netted nine in the first half to help Nazareth build a 31-24 lead at the break. Benedict also contributed six assists and three steals for the Golden Flyers.

Nazareth will stay on the road for the weekend as the Golden Flyers travel to Hartwick and Utica on Friday and Saturday respectively to continue Empire 8 play.