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ROCHESTER, NY – Junior Lizzie Straub scored 16 points, Erica Bradley tied her career-high with 13 and Rachel Benedict added a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds as the Nazareth College women's basketball team won a 66-52 decision over Utica College Saturday afternoon in an Empire 8 game in Kidera Gymnasium.

The victory clinched an Empire 8 playoff spot for the Golden Flyers.

Nazareth (15-7 overall, 10-3 E8) jumped out to an early lead as Bradley, Straub and Isabella Gjonaj each scored four points in the opening 10 minutes and the Golden Flyers held an 18-14 edge.

Benedict scored six of her 13 points in the second quarter and Bradley added five more in the quarter but Utica (7-15, 2-11) chipped away at the lead and Nazareth took a slim 32-21 lead into the halftime intermission.

Straub came out hot in the third quarter and connected on four 3-point baskets to help Nazareth extend its lead to seven points with a 21-point quarter and a 53-46 lead heading into the final period.

The Nazareth defense limited Utica to six points in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

The Golden Flyers had 26 points from reserves in the game while Utica did not have a reserve score in the contest.

Miyah Sizer handed out a career-best seven assists while Gjonaj finished with seven points, four rebounds and three blocks.

The Golden Flyers play Houghton College at home Friday before finishing the regular season at Elmira Saturday and at Alfred the following Tuesday.