Box l Updated Stats
ITHACA, N.Y. – The Nazareth men's  basketball squad notched a 95-60 win in its Empire 8 season-opener on Tuesday night, with four players notching 15 points or more, led by Mitch Ford's game-high 28 (11-for-18).  Nick Nadeau and Maurice Mills each poured in 16 points, while Tyler Stenglein added 15. 

Nazareth moves to 5-5 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while Ithaca falls to 7-3 and 1-1, respectively.

Ithaca was coming off a 120-110 win over Stevens Institute on Sunday, in which it finished 15-of-25 (60 percent) from 3-point land.  Nazareth, however, held the Bombers to just 20 percent (4-for-20) from 3-point range in the game.

After back-and-forth action in the first half, which included seven lead changes, Nazareth managed its largest lead at 29-24 with 5:19 remaining.

Following an Ithaca layup on the next possession, Nazareth finished the final 5:04 of the half on an 18-3 run to open up a 47-30 halftime lead.

Nadeau notched 11 points during the run, including connecting on three 3-pointers. 

Nazareth held a double-digit advantage for the entire second half.  The Bombers came as close as 13 points at 65-52 with 12:16 remaining, however, Nazareth held Ithaca to just one field goal over the final 12 minutes to open up the contest.

Ford registered his ninth double-double of the season on 28 points and 14 rebounds.  Nadeau drained 4-of-5 3-pointers, while dishing out four assists and a career-high five steals. 

Mills was an efficient 8-for-12 from the field to go along with nine boards. 

Stenglein and Brendan Wind each added five assists.

Nazareth returns to action on Friday when it will travel to Alfred University for at 6 p.m. contest.