KUEKA PARK, NY -  Nazareth Men's Basketball (17-6, 12-2) earned a hard-fought 71-63 road victory over Keuka (10-13, 7-7) Friday night inside JMW Recreation and Athletics Center. The Golden Flyers controlled the tempo early and responded to every push to secure the win. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• Nazareth opened the game strong and held Keuka scoreless for nearly two minutes and gradually stretched the margin.

• Using balanced scoring and defensive pressure, the Golden Flyers took a 36-29 advantage going into halftime. 

• Coming out of the break, Nazareth maintained their composure, answering to each Keuka push. 

• A pair of fast-break three-pointers from Tyler Putney and consistent scoring in the paint allowed the Golden Flyers to push the lead to as many as 16 points midway through the second half. 

• Keuka started to trim the deficit to single digits multiple times in the final minutes. Nazareth responded at the free-throw line and limited second-chance opportunities, slowing down the road contest with a 71-63 victory. 

• The Golden Flyers let for the majority of the game and outscored Keuka 38-18 in the paint while converting 14-of-20 attempts at the foul line to secure the conference win. 

GAME NOTES: 

• Putney led Nazareth with 17 points, knocking down four three-pointers and adding four rebounds while shooting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. 

• Jaylen Savage delivered a strong all-around performance with 16 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and two steals, playing a key role in both the transition and half-court offense. 

• Luke Insley finished with 13 points and three assists, providing steady ball movement and finishing efficiently in the open floor. 

• Merritt Holly dominated the glass with a game-high 16 rebounds to go along with nine points, one block, and a strong defensive presence inside. 

• As a team, the Golden Flyers shot 45.6 percent from the field, held the Wolves to 39.7 percent shooting, and finished with a +2 turnover margin in the 71-63 Empire 8 win. 

UP NEXT:

Nazareth is away at Elmira, Saturday, Feb. 14th. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.