Box l Updated Stats
UTICA, N.Y. – The Nazareth College men's basketball squad upended Utica College 79-50 Saturday afternoon, less than 24 hours after knocking off Stevens Institute on Friday night in Hoboken, NJ.

The Golden Flyers have won three straight contests to improve to 7-1 in Empire 8 play and 11-6 overall.  Utica falls to 3-5 and 5-10, respectively.

Maurice Mills drained two free throws at the midway point of the half to give Nazareth a 20-19, a lead they would not relinquish the rest of the game. 

Utica was held to just nine points over the final 11:38 in the opening frame, while Nazareth's offense came alive. 

Nazareth broke open a 19-19 tie with a 13-0 run to seize control of the game.  The lopsided end of the half saw the visitors outscore Utica 29-9 to take a 45-28 halftime lead.

That momentum carried over for the Golden Flyers as they built their lead to as many as 31 points at 79-48 with 6:06 to play.

Nazareth's defense had a strong showing, forcing 23 turnovers, which turned into 31 points for the Golden Flyers.

Nazareth shot 50.8 percent (31-of-61) from the field, while the Pioneers shot 43.6 percent (17-of-39).

Mitch Ford led all scorers with 26 points (9-of-18) and grabbed eight rebounds. 

Mills notched 16 points (5-of-7) and pulled down seven boards.

Nick Nadeau dropped 11 points (5-of-9) and dished out four assists.  Josh Gillard was also in double-figures with 10 points (5-of-6).

The Golden Flyers return to action on Wednesday when they will travel to Houghton College for a 6 p.m.  contest.