Box l Updated stats
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Hartwick outscored host Nazareth 46-32 in the second half to pull away for the 80-65 Empire 8 conference victory in men's basketball. Senior Ryan McAdam tallied a team-high 23 points and nine rebounds for the Golden Flyers. Freshman Jordan Major was the Golden Flyers' other player to finish in double-digits, as he added 10 points.

With the loss, Nazareth drops to 2-7 overall and 1-2 in Empire 8 conference games. Hartwick improves its record to 7-3 overall and 1-1 in conference games with the victory.

After a close first half, which included five ties and six lead changes, the Golden Flyers took a three-point lead early in the second half following two baskets by senior Jeff DeHimer. The Hawks, however, answered with a 30-13 scoring run midway through the second half to take a 68-53 lead with 4:45 left in the game.

Nazareth was able to cut its deficit to nine points after Hartwick's scoring run after scoring seven points in 46 seconds. Junior Corey McAdam, Ryan McAdam, and DeHimer each connected on free throws during the Golden Flyers' scoring run. Corey McAdam and DeHimer each had a steal to aid Nazareth's rally attempt. The Hawks reclaimed their double-digit lead by going 8-9 from the free throw line. Hartwick's defense also played strong as it kept Nazareth to a 29.4 field goal percentage in the second half.

DeHimer finished with nine points and six rebounds for the Golden Flyers while sophomore Ellis Walsh tallied six points and four rebounds. Corey McAdam was held to five points but recorded nine rebounds and six assists.

Jan Cocozziello led Hartwick with a game-high 24 points. A.J. Beaulieu also contributed 16 points while Albert Hulick had 10 points and seven rebounds.

Nazareth travels to Ithaca January 9th for an Empire 8 game against the Bombers.