Box Score l Updated Stats

ROCHESTER, NY – Junior Tyler Stenglein finished with career-highs in points (32) and rebounds (14) to propel Nazareth to its first Empire 8 win of the season Thursday night, 82-72, over Utica College.

Nazareth moves to 7-5 overall and 1-2 in conference play, while Utica drops to 2-11 and 2-2, respectively.

After trailing from the opening tip, Nazareth took its first lead of the game off a 3-pointer from Cody Green at the 12:30 mark of the half for a 15-12 advantage.    

Stenglein scored 17 of Nazareth's 39 points in the first half, going 6-for-9.  Four of his points came from the free throw line.

Stenglein was matched by Utica's Ivan Iton, who was 8-for-11 for 20 points.  He powered Utica with 30 points for the entire contest.

Sophomore Daniel Jacob, getting his first start of the season, had seven first half points.

Nazareth led 39-36 at the break.

Utica regained the lead at 52-51 with 12 minutes to play, however, Nazareth made sure that was short-lived. 

Shortly after Stenglein dished to Burgio for a layup, followed by a 3-pointer from Cody Green as Nazareth surged to a 62-54 with seven minutes to play.  Green finished the game with four 3-pointers for 12 points.

Stenglein gave the Golden Flyers a 65-56 advantage on a traditional 3-point play with 6:13 on the clock.

Down the stretch, the Pioneers never came closer than four points and the Golden Flyers were able to pull away.

Jacob (4-for-11) and Brendan Wind (4-for-10) each had 11 points. 

Nazareth returns to action on Saturday, when it travels to Ithaca for a 4 p.m. contest.