Albany, NY-   The Nazareth Women's Basketball team (12-4 overall, 6-1 Empire 8) downed the Russell Sage Gators (10-7, 5-3) 80-45  on Friday evening on the road in an Empire 8 Conference matchup.  
 
How it Happened
-Nazareth and Sage traded baskets early on in the 1st quarter. The Golden Flyers would create an early separation in the quarter which was followed by a hard push by the Gators. The Golden Flyers led 12-10 after the first quarter.
-The Golden Flyers began the second quarter putting hard pressure on the Gators defense. This pressure paid off, shooting 10-for-20 from the field and getting 11 rebounds. Katie MacLachlan shot 3-for-3 from the field as well as Molly Benetti who shot 3-for-4. Nazareth outscored the Gators 33-18 at the break.
- A late third quarter push propeled the Golden Flyers to a 53-22 lead heading into the final frame. Nazareth shot 50 percent from the field and 25 percent from 3-point range. 
- Nazareth scored 27 points in the final frame. The Golden Flyers shot 12-for-17 from the field and picked up seven defensive rebounds.

Game Notes
-Juinor forward Sarina McDowell led the charge for Nazareth, scoring 12 points and getting 10 rebounds. 
-Senior guard Katie MacLachlan shot 50 percent from the field scoring, eight points for the Golden Flyers.
- Benetti continued her hot season, scoring 9 points for Nazareth.
-The Golden Flyers shot 49 percent from the field and 17 percent from 3-point range. Nazareth picked up 41 rebounds.

Up Next
The Golden Flyers will finish the weekend slate on the road as they take on Hartwick College in a Saturday matinee game in Oneonta, NY.