ROCHESTER, NY (nazathletics.com) - Nazareth Men's Basketball (14-5, 9-1) defeated Utica (14-5,7-3) in thrilling fashion, 69-66, Friday night inside Kidera Gymnasium. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Nazareth scored the first five points before Utica responded, tying the game and briefly pulling ahead as the score swung back and forth through the opening 10 minutes.
• After multiple lead changes, Nazareth used a late first-half run capped by Nick Purdie's three in the final minute to take a 35-31 lead into halftime.
• Luke Insley opened the second half with a basket to push the lead to 37-31 as Nazareth later stretched the margin to six before Utica answered to cut it back to a one-possession game.
• The game tightened again midway through the second half with the score tied at 59 following free throws before Utica briefly moved in front, 61-59.
• Insley answered with a layup to knot the game at 63-63, and after another lead change, Nazareth reclaimed the edge on a Merritt Holly basket to go up 65-63 inside the final minute.
• Utica closed within one, but Insley converted two free throws in the final seconds to seal the 69-66 win after Nazareth's defense forced a miss on the final possession.

GAME NOTES 

• Merritt Holly led the Golden Flyers with 18 points and 11 rebounds, his ninth double-double of the season. He added two blocks, two assists and one steal. 
• Luke Insley posted 14 points, his fifth-straight game with double-digit points. He chipped in seven assists to lead the Empire 8 with 6.3 assists per game. 
• Jaylen Savage rounded out Nazareth's double-digit point scorers with 12 points, four assists, three steals and two rebounds. Savage leads the Golden Flyers with 332 total and 17.5 points per game so far this season. 

UP NEXT 
Nazareth hosts SUNY Poly tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 31. Tip off is slated for 4 p.m. inside Kidera Gymnasium. 

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