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PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- Junior Brad Ford recorded his third double-double of the season Wednesday as he combined 24 points with 14 rebounds as Nazareth defeated Geneseo, 70-64, in the opening round of the Wendy's College Classic for men's basketball played at St. John Fisher.

Ford was one of three Nazareth players to score in double figures as the Golden Flyers improved to 4-1 overall. Geneseo dropped to 2-2. Nazareth will play again Friday against defending champion Hobart in the tournament semifinals at 6 p.m. at the University of Rochester. Geneseo will play Roberts Wesleyan in the consolation round. Hobart defeated Roberts 81-80 in double overtime in another first-round game Wednesday.

In addition to Ford's double-double, senior Tyshun Stephens had 16 points, five rebounds and five assists and senior Dan Waldbillig came off the bench to deliver 13 points and seven rebounds. Ford also produced double-doubles (points and rebounds) against New Jersey City University and Buffalo State, both Nazareth victories.

The game was close throughout with Nazareth holding a one-point advantage at halftime 30-29 on the strength of 12 points and nine rebounds from Ford. Geneseo's Gordon Lyons scored 12 of his team-high 21 points in the second half to keep the Knights in the game.

Geneseo regained the lead early in the second half and were up 38-36 following a three-pointer by Tom Decker with 16:08 to go. Ford answered with a three-pointer on Nazareth's next possession and freshman Maurice Mills added a basket to enable Nazareth to retake the lead. A pair of free throws by Scott Hayford extended the lead to 50-45 with 12:25 to go.

Geneseo remained relentless and took its final lead of the game at 57-56 on a basket by Connor Fedge with 8:15 to go. A basket and a free throw by Ford enabled Nazareth to regain the lead again. Nazareth stretched the lead to seven, 67-60, on a three-pointer by Jack Giles from the right corner with 2:45 to go. Lyons scored for Geneseo on the next two possessions to pull the Knights to within 67-64. Geneseo had another possession in an attempt to draw closer, but the Knights missed three shots before Giles finally secured the defensive rebound and was fouled with 16.7 seconds left.

Giles sank one of the two resulting free throws and Stephens knocked down two more in the closing seconds to seal the win.

Nazareth made 22 of 52 shots from the field with four three-pointers. Nazareth had a 42-28 rebounding advantage. Geneseo made 24 of 55 shots, including four three-pointers. Lyons had 14 rebounds for the Knights in addition to his 21 points.