ROCHESTER, NY – Host Nazareth overcame a halftime deficit with a convincing third quarter to earn an 81-65 victory Friday night, the Golden Flyers first conference win of the year.   The Golden Flyers benefited from a strong game at the line in which they went 34-for-39 (87.2 percent). 

Nazareth moves to 5-6 overall and 1-1 in league play.  The Saxons drop to 2-10 overall and 0-4 in the Empire 8.

Trailing 39-32 with 7:11 left in the third quarter, Nazareth took over the contest with a 23-7 run to head into the final quarter with a 55-46 lead.

Elizabeth White provided Nazareth with a spark off the bench, notching all eight of her points in the third quarter.  White had the decisive 3-pointer for Nazareth to re-claim the lead at 42-41 and scored a bucket on the ensuing possession.

Samantha Peebles, who finished the game 15-for-16 from the line, cashed in on four consecutive free throws early in the fourth quarter following two bench technical fouls.  That pushed Nazareth's margin to 59-46.  Nazareth maintained a double digit lead the rest of the game.

Alfred started out the game red hot from the floor, shooting 57.1 percent (12-for-21), including 3-for-4 from long range, to help open up a 30-22 advantage 15 minutes in.

Despite the hot shooting from the visitors, Nazareth hung tough after going 11-for-32 (34.4 percent) in the opening half to cut the halftime deficit to 34-32.   

Peebles (4-for-12) led the Golden Flyers with 24 points, to go along with seven rebounds and five assists.  Rachel Benedict picked up her fourth double-double of the season with 22 points (6-for-11), including 9-for-12 from the line, while grabbing 11 rebounds.

Lizzie Straub, Rose Pedretti and Delaney Martin each chipped in six points. 

Nazareth returns to action Saturday hosting Houghton College at 4 p.m.