Naz Pulls Away for Win Over Utica
Nazareth 89, Utica 76 - Box Score
Utica, N.Y. (1/6/2012) – Nazareth College outscored host Utica 45-31 in the final 20 minutes on its way to an 89-76 victory in the Empire 8 Conference opener for both teams Friday night. Four different Pioneers scored in double-figures including junior Matt Baldwin (24), junior Jeff Ward (16), freshman Aaron Nevins (11) and sophomore Chris Jeffers (11).
The Pioneers dropped to 4-7 overall and 0-1 in the E8, while the Golden Flyers won their second straight and improved to 7-4 overall and 1-0 in conference play. Jason Corletta led the way for Nazareth with 21 points, including 13 in the second half. Phil Scaffidi netted 19 points, while Tyshun Stephens totaled 18 points and eight assists.
Both teams were streaky in a first half that featured seven ties. Naz used a 6-0 run in a span of 1:58 to take a six point lead, 41-35, with 3:55 to go in the first half. UC answered with a 6-0 run of its own to tie the score at 41-41 with 2:47 to go before the intermission. After four lead changes in the final two minutes the Pioneers were able to manage a 45-44 lead at halftime.
The Golden Flyers used a 7-0 run midway through the second half to extend their lead to seven points, 65-58, with 10:51 to go in regulation. UC was able to cut that lead to three points, 73-70, with 5:01 left but that was as close as they would get. Naz closed out the game on a 17-6 run to earn the 89-76 victory.
Brad Ford registered 13 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and four steals for the visitors. Senior swingman Reggie German scored nine points and added five rebounds for Utica, while sophomore Jevin McClendon totaled four points in just eight minutes of work.
UC returns to action at 4 p.m. on Saturday when the Pioneers host Empire 8 Conference foe St. John Fisher College. Nazareth will travel to Ithaca College on Saturday to take on the Bombers at 4 p.m.
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