ROCHESTER, NY (nazathletics.com) - Nazareth Women's Basketball (8-3, 2-0) handed Houghton (8-1, 0-1) its first loss of the season, 73-68, Tuesday night inside Kidera Gymnasium.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Nazareth opened with early pace and paint touches, scoring the game's first basket and closing the first quarter on a late surge to build a 23-15 lead, capped by a corner 3-pointer from Katie MacLachlan in the final minute.
- The Golden Flyers maintained control in the second quarter with steady interior scoring and trips to the line, answering each push to take a 41-33 advantage into halftime after converting a late second-chance finish and free throws.
- Nazareth briefly pushed the lead to double digits coming out of halftime until the momentum shifted for Houghton. The Highlanders strung together baskets off turnovers, trimming the deficit and outscoring Nazareth 18-12 in the quarter to cut the home team's lead to 53-51.
- With the game tight entering the fourth quarter, Nazareth responded with timely makes inside and on the perimeter, reclaiming breathing room with a quick run midway through the quarter.
- The Golden Flyers sealed the game at the free-throw line and with defensive stops down the stretch, holding off the late pressure to secure a 73-68 Empire 8 victory.
GAME NOTES
- Kiara Anglin led the Golden Flyers with 16 points, her sixth double-digit scoring performance of the season. The senior guard went 6 of 8 from the field and added six rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal.
- Madalynn Kelly recorded 14 points in her return from injury, going 5-9 from the floor with two 3-pointers and two rebounds.
- Katie MacLachlan tacked on 12 points, four assists, and three rebounds for her eighth game in double figures this season.
- Sarina McDowell rounded out Nazareth's double-digit scorers with 11 points, five rebounds and one assist.
- Molly Benetti chipped in a team-best nine rebounds, four blocks and four assists along with eight points.
UP NEXT
Nazareth heads to SUNY Geneseo, Saturday, Jan. 9. Tip off is slated for 5:30 p.m. in Geneseo, NY.
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