Box l Updated Stats
BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Nazareth College men's basketball team dropped its first contest of the season Saturday night, falling to Buffalo State College, 74-71, in the Championship game of the Coles Classic.

Nazareth falls to 3-1 on the season, while Buffalo State moves to 2-2.

After exchanging several lead changes to open the second, the Bengals built up a seven point lead, 48-41, midway through the half.

The visitors slowly chipped into the lead, eventually taking a 58-57 advantage at the 4:08 mark on a layup from Mitch Ford. 

On the ensuing possession, Buffalo State connected on a 3-pointer, before Tyler Stenglein nailed a jumper to even the score at 60 with 3:45 to play.

The home squad, however, responded with another 3-pointer and held the lead for the rest of the contest.

Nazareth struggled from the field in the first half, shooting just 30.4 percent (7-for-23) from the floor.

Ford registered season-highs in points, with 34 (10-for-16) and rebounds (18) for his third double-double of the season. 

Stenglein scored in double figures with 16 points (5-for-10) and added five boards.  Brendan Wind added six points.

Nazareth returns to action on Tuesday when it will host the University of Rochester for a 7 p.m. contest.