MEADVILLE, PA. (Nazathletics.com – Nazareth Women's Basketball opened its 2026-27 season in impressive fashion Saturday afternoon, earning an 83-46 victory over Allegheny College in the first game of the Women's Leaders Tip-Off Tournament. The Golden Flyers used a strong opening quarter and a dominant second-quarter performance to pull away and secure the season-opening win.
Nazareth will take on Ohio Northern in the Championship Game on Sunday at 3 p.m. Ohio Northern defeated Penn State Behrend, 64-50 in the other contest.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Nazareth came out strong from the opening tip, with Sarina McDowell knocking down two free throws before Kaitlyn Milham added a layup and a free throw to give the Golden Flyers an early 5-0 advantage
- McDowell continued to make an impact in the paint, adding another basket off an assist from Milham to extend the lead to 7-0.
- Allison Bell provided an offensive spark off the bench, connecting on back-to-back three-pointers to help Nazareth maintain control. Contributions from Natalie Mai and Payton Littlefield helped the Golden Flyers close the opening quarter with a 24-12 advantage
- Nazareth continued to build momentum in the second quarter, putting together its highest-scoring period of the afternoon with 30 points. The Golden Flyers shot an impressive 57 percent from the field in the quarter to extend their lead to 54-23 at halftime.
- The Golden Flyers maintained their strong defensive effort coming out of the break, limiting Allegheny to 11 points in the third quarter while adding 15 of their own to carry a 69-34 advantage into the final period
- Nazareth continued to control the game in the fourth quarter, getting contributions throughout the lineup to close out the 83-46 victory.
GAME NOTES:
- Milham and Bell led the Golden Flyers with 22 points apiece. Milham added three rebounds and a team-high four steals, while Bell connected on four three-pointers and grabbed six rebounds.
- Mai finished with 13 points, shooting 5-for-6 from the field and knocking down three three-pointers in just 19 minutes of action. She also added seven rebounds.
- McDowell recorded a double-double with 11 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. She also contributed two blocks and two assists.
- Jordyn Gross added six points off the bench, while Littlefield contributed two points, two assists and a steal.
- Nazareth also held a significant advantage in the paint, outscoring Allegheny 50-20.
UP NEXT
Nazareth will square off against Ohio Northern in the Women's Leaders Tip-Off Tournament Championship Game on Sunday at 3 p.m.
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