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ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The host Golden Flyers opened the 2012-13 men's basketball season with a convincing 90-69 vicotry over New Paltz in the Flyers first game of the Nazareth College Tournament, which is being played at the Kidera Gymnasium. Senior Tyshun Stephens had a game-high 24 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Golden Flyers' torrid offensive attack. Junior Brad Ford added 18 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

Following the victory, the Golden Flyers will play New Jersey City University in the championship game of the Nazareth Tournament. NJCU defeated St. Joseph's College 91-58 in the first game of the tournament.

The Hawks surged to an early 6-0 lead in the first minute of action, but the Golden Flyers answered with an 11-2 scoring run to take an 11-8 lead about four minutes later. After trading baskets, Stephens converted a layup to give Nazareth a 13-12 lead. The Golden Flyers built their lead through the remainder of the contest. Nazareth stretched its lead to 21 points following a three-point basket by Ford. Ford connected on another three-point basket as the buzzer sounded to give Nazareth a 47-27 lead at halftime.

Freshman Maurice Mills had three blocks in the first 20 minutes to begin fast breaks. Mills turned a steal into a thunderous dunk midway through the first half to provide Nazareth a four-point lead and get the crowd behind the Golden Flyers.

In the second half, the Golden Flyers stretched their lead to 34 points following their continued torrid shooting. Nazareth finished shooting 59 percent (31-53) from the field for the game, including 44 percent (10-23) from beyond the arc. Ford finished with a game-high four three-point baskets.

Nazareth's dominating 40-18 advantage in total rebounds provided the Golden Flyers extra scoring opportunites. Senior Dan Waldbillig had a game-high four offensive rebounds. Nazareth's efficiency on the defensive glass allowed New Paltz to collect only three offensive rebounds.

Following the points scored by Stephens and Ford, juniors Scott Hayford and Jack Giles each scored 12 points and combined to collect 10 rebounds. Waldbillig finished with nine points while Mills added eight points and freshman Mitch Ford chipped in four points.

The Hawks' full-court pressure forced Nazareth into a total of 21 turnovers, however, it also resulted in open baskets. Nazareth forced New Paltz to commit 15 turnovers.

Matt Devine tallied a team-high 13 points and five rebounds for the Hawks. Shareef Taylor and Shalik Jenkins each contributed 12 points to New Paltz's offense.

Following Nazareth's game against New Jersey City on Saturday, the Golden Flyers travel to the University of Rochester for a 7 p.m. game against the Yellowjackets.