| Box Score 2 Box | Fredonia-Union box
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Senior Brad Ford posted game highs in points (23) and rebounds (13) for host Nazareth Friday as the Golden Flyers triumphed in their season-opener for men's basketball with an 83-64 victory over Sage Colleges.

The game was played in the opening round of the BSG Tournament at Nazareth's Kidera Gymnasium. Fredonia defeated Union, 98-89, in Friday's first game. Nazareth will host Fredonia in Saturday's championship game at 4 p.m. Union and Sage will play in the consolation game at 2 p.m.

The Golden Flyers surged to a 16-5 lead in the opening 6:45 to take control of the contest in the first half. Nazareth trailed 5-4 before scoring the next 12 points. During the run, sophomore Maurice Mills had consecutive baskets, including a dunk. Sophomore Mitch Ford converted a pair of free throws, then Brad Ford connected on a pair of free throws on Nazareth's next possession after he created the offensive opportunity with a steal. Senior Jack Giles added a two-point jumper, and the run was capped by Mills connecting on one of two free throws.

With 10:09 remaining in the first half, the Gators trimmed their deficit to five points, 16-11, but Nazareth scored the next five points to pull away. Mitch Ford converted a three-point play, which was followed by a layup by Giles. The Golden Flyers maintained their multiple possession lead throughout the end of the period, and Giles' three-point basket with eight seconds remaining provided Nazareth a 42-31 lead at the break.

Brad Ford opened the second half with a three-point play to extend the Golden Flyers' lead to 14 points. Sage closed its gap to within 10 points four times, but Nazareth maintained its double-digit lead throughout the second half. The Golden Flyers took a game-high 20-point lead in the final minute of regulation before claiming the 83-64 victory.

In addition to the points from Brad Ford, Nazareth had three other players finish in double figures in scoring. Mills tallied a career-high 17 points, followed by Mitch Ford with 14 points, and senior Scott Hayford with 11 points. Giles and freshman Jack Mulcahy also had eight points and three points, respectively. Additionally, freshman Josh Gillard added three points, and classmate Tomer Nesher chipped in two points. The Golden Flyers finished the game shooting 29-58 (50 percent) from the field.

Nazareth finished with a 48-43 advantage in total rebounds thanks to Brad Ford's 13 rebounds and Mitch's 12 boards.

Mason Horne amassed a team-high 21 points for the Gators. Horne stands at 996 career points. Horne is poised to become the second player at Sage to score 1000 points when the Gators take on Union on Saturday. Jacob Sopchak recorded a team-high seven rebounds. Nazareth's defense held the Gators to shooting 20-66 (30 percent) from the floor.