The shot enabled Utica to maintain its unbeaten record in the Empire 8 at 7-0. The Pioneers improved to 15-2 overall. The Golden Flyers, who led for nearly the entire second half, slipped to 3-4 in the Empire 8 and 8-10 overall.
Utica made just two three-point shots in the second half -- Collier's game-winner and one by Ray Bryant (Utica, NY) that tied the score at 70-70 with 1:00 to play.
Nazareth regained the lead, 72-70, when freshman Corey McAdam (pictured, Fairport) swished two free throws with :39 left.
After a timeout, Utica worked the ball inside to Bryant, who found Collier open at the top of the key and he drilled his second three-pointer of the game. Nazareth had one last chance, but McAdam's shot in the closing seconds was partially deflected and Bryant grabbed the clinching rebound.
Nazareth trailed early in the game by as many as 11 points, but rallied to take a nine-point lead by halftime, 44-35, as junior Joe Canori (Webster Thomas) scored 14 of his team-high 20.
Nazareth's upset bid continued in the second half as the Golden Flyers' lead reached double digits on three occasions. Two free throws by Canori with 2:59 to play kept Nazareth ahead by four, 70-66. Collier made a free throw for Utica with 1:44 left, then after McAdam missed a shot, Bryant hit a three-pointer from the left side to tie the game at 70-70. That set the stage for the final dramatic minute.
Bryant led all scorers with 24 points and 10 rebounds. He made 11 of 17 shots and also had five assists. Sophomore guard Doug Herring had 20 points and five assists and senior Jack Lighthall (Boonville, NY) added 11. Collier finished with nine.
Canori's 20 points came on 8 for 13 shooting and included two three-pointers. McAdam added 16 points and seven assists. Rayvon Higdon (Edison Tech) and Tyler Smith (Fairport, NY) each had nine points.