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ROCHESTER, NY – Host Nazareth kept its Empire 8 Conference playoff hopes alive Friday as the Golden Flyers posted their third straight win, a 68-56 triumph over Elmira. Nazareth's victory, combined with Friday night wins by St. John Fisher and Stevens and a loss by Utica, put the Golden Flyers in a four-way tie for third place in the conference standings.

Nazareth brings a 7-6 conference record and a 10-14 overall mark into Saturday's regular-season finale at front-running Ithaca at 2 p.m. St. John Fisher hosts Stevens and Utica visits Elmira (3-10 E8, 8-16 overall) with third and fourth place in the E8 at stake. The top four teams qualify for next weekend's E8 Tournament. Ithaca and Hartwick have already clinched the top two seeds.
 
On Friday, Elmira had a seven point lead, 18-11, with 11:01 remaining in the first half before Nazareth went on a 13-2 run to go ahead 24-20 with 6:24 left before the break.
 
 Lindsey Kelly led the Golden Flyers, shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the field and 3-for-3 from the line, for 15 first-half points. Nazareth led 32-28 at the half and never trailed in the second. 
 
Nazareth shot an impressive 53% from the field and out-rebounded the Soaring Eagles 37-28.  Kelly finished with a game high 23 points and 13 rebounds.
 
Senior Erica Shaw, playing in her final home game, was 4-for-8 from the three-point arc to account for all 12 of her points. She also finished with eight assists, eight rebounds, and two blocks. Freshman Veronica Peck added eight points, including two three pointers, and Hannah Runyon had 13 points for the Golden Flyers.
 
Elmira shot just 30% from the field.  They were led by Jessica Zoltowski who finished with 19 points.  Liz Forrest had 15.
 
Nazareth travels to Ithaca Saturday for a 2 pm game and the finale of the regular season.  The Empire 8 Tournament begins February 22. Today's game will be carried on local radio station WHTK (AM-1280) and available online at http://www.iheart.com/live/1509/?autoplay=true