Box Score Updated stats
HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Stephen Gabel and Kevin Underwood each scored 18 points and Jonathan Park recorded his third straight double-double with 11 points and 16 rebounds Saturday as Nazareth won its seventh straight men's basketball game by defeating host Houghton, 87-77.

The victory also was the third of the week for the Golden Flyers, who improved to 16-4 overall and 8-1 in Empire 8 Conference play. Houghton dropped to 4-16 overall and 2-7 in the E8. Nazareth also defeated St. John Fisher last Tuesday and Alfred Friday. Saturday's win was their second of the season over the Highlanders.

Cody Green (14 points) and Zach Stenglein (14 points) also reached double figures as the Golden Flyers remained balanced offensively. The Golden Flyers never trailed in Saturday's game as they jumped to a 9-2 lead in the first three minutes behind two baskets by Gabel and a three-pointer by Isaac Nelson. Nelson also hit from long range in the closing seconds of the half to extend the lead to 44-29 before the Golden Flyers settled for a 44-32 lead at the half.

Houghton was able to hang around in the second half, although Gabel and Underwood kept the Highlanders from getting too close by scoring 11 and 12 points respectively in the final 20 minutes. Underwood converted back-to-back three-point plays midway through the half to give Nazareth its largest lead of the game at 66-47. The Highanders were never able to get back within single digits thereafter.

Nazareth won despite shooting just 40.8 percent from the field (29-for-71). The Golden Flyers also made 10 three-pointers and enjoyed a 46-38 rebounding advantage. Nine of Park's 16 rebounds came off the offensive glass. Other noteworthy numbers included five assists for Nelson, eight rebounds for Gabel and four assists with just one turnover for Stenglein.

Nazareth is back on he road next weekend for a pair of conference games. The Golden Flyers visit Elmira Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Hartwick Saturday at 2.