ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Senior Stephen Gabel scored 15 of his game-high 25 points in the second half Tuesday as host and third-seeded Nazareth held off Elmira, 64-54, in an Empire 8 Conference playoff game for men's basketball.

Played at Mike Daley Court at the Kidera Gymnasium, Nazareth improved to 8-3 overall and advanced to Friday's semifinal round of the E8 Tournament at Utica (8-2 overall) at 5:30 p.m. Elmira finishes the season at 1-10 overall.

Gabel hit 10 of 13 shots from the field, including one three-pointer, and went 4-for-6 from the free throw line to collect his points. Sophomore Jordan Haggard added 17 points and eight rebounds and senior Isaac Nelson had 11 points and six rebounds.

Gabel and Haggard each scored 10 points in the first half, but Nazareth went just 1-for-9 from three-point range in the first 20 minutes and settled fora 32-28 lead at the break.

In the second half, Elmira scored the first two baskets to tie the score, but Gabel hit a three-pointer with 16:15 left to ignite a 15-3 scoring run that ended with Nazareth on top 52-38 with 11:30 left. Nelson and Haggard each nailed three-point shots during the run with Gabel also sinking a pair of free throws.

Elmira rallied to within five points, 56-51, late in the game, but Haggard hit back-to-back short jumpers to help Nazareth stay ahead.

Isiah Charles was Elmira's high scorer with 17 points. Jonathan Park grabbed nine rebounds for Nazareth.

Nazareth played without junior guard Zach Stenglein and senior guard Kevin Underwood, each nursing injuries.