ALBANY, NY – Graduate student Jordan Haggard scored a game-high 20 points and completed a double-double with 12 rebounds for the Nazareth University Men's Basketball teams as the Golden Flyers came back from an 11-point deficit to force overtime and win a 73-69 decision at Russell Sage Friday night to begin the Empire 8 schedule.

Nazareth (3-3 overall, 1-0 E8) struggled early and trailed 27-22 at the half.

Sophomore Jaylen Savage hit an early basket and Haggard added a 3-pointer to spark and early run for Nazareth.

Sage (5-2, 0-1 E8) battled and continued to lead for a majority of the second half.

A 3-pointer and a pair of layups from Haggard provided a 7-0 run that tied the score at 61-61 with three minutes to play in regulation.

The teams traded free throws to remain tied and the Nazareth defense forced a shot clock violation turnover but Nazareth missed a pair of 3-pointers as time expired and the game went into overtime.

A Haggard block and rebound by junior Jack Broderick led to a layup for Haggard at the other end of the court for a Nazareth lead.

Broderick grabbed another rebound and made a layup to stretch the lead to four points at 67-63.

A jumper by Savage extended the lead but a 3-pointer by Sage trimmed the gap to a basket at 69-67 with 1:03 left to play.

The Nazareth defense came through again with 30 seconds left to force a loose ball and a jump ball with the Golden Flyers earning the possession arrow turnover.

Junior Luke Insley nailed a pair of free throws and another defensive rebound by Broderick sealed the win as he was fouled and hit both free throws.

Haggard led four players into double figures scoring with his 20. Broderick and graduate student Logan Blankenberg each scored 12 and Savage finished with 10 for Nazareth. Broderick finished with eight rebounds including five in overtime.