Box l Updated stats
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Nazareth finished with four players in double figures to outscore Houghton  78-54 in a men's Empire 8 Conference basketball game on Friday evening. Senior Tyshun Stephens tallied a team-high 17 points, followed by junior Brad Ford with 15 points. Junior Jack Giles and freshman Mitch Ford added 10 points apiece.

Following the victory, the Golden Flyers improve to 7-2 overall. The Highlanders continue to seek their first win of the season and stand at 0-6 following Friday's contest.

Nazareth seized control of the game from the early minutes after Brad Ford connected with a three-pointer to give the Golden Flyers their first points. Nazareth's potent attack extended the Golden Flyers' lead to double-digits following a layup by Stephens midway through the period. Nazareth had a 17-point lead in the final minute of the period after sophomore Vinny Amuso connected on his three-point shot. The Golden Flyers settled for a 38-23 lead at the break.

The Golden Flyers opened the second half with a 21-5 scoring run to claim a game-high 31-point lead, 59-28, with 11:34 to play in regulation. The Highlanders trimmed their deficit to 18 points with about four minutes remaining, but Houghton never seriously threatened Nazareth's dominant lead.

The Golden Flyers finished the game shooting 26-57 (45.6 percent) and connected on 11 of 24 (45.8 percent) of their shots from beyond the three-point arc. Amuso and Stephens each connected on three three-point attempts. 

In addition to the players who scored in double figures, Amuso and junior Scott Hayford each added nine points while junior Cody Sarkis, sophomore Alex Tanea, and freshmen Maurice Mills and Skyler Mitchell also recorded points. 

Nazareth finished with an overwhelming 45-33 advantage in total rebounds. Brad Ford collected 10 rebounds to lead all players. Hayford finished with a game-high five offensive rebounds to maintain the Golden Flyers' offensive pressure.

Chris Confair amassed a game-high 26 points to pace Houghton. Mark O'Brien added 10 points. The Golden Flyers' tenacious defense held Houghton to 20-61 (32.8 percent) shooting from the field. The Highlanders connected on just three three-pointers compared with Nazareth's 11 long-range baskets.

The Golden Flyers host Cortland in a non-conference game on December 15th in their next contest.