ROCHESTER, N.Y. (nazathletics.com) - Nazareth Women's Basketball (2-1) earned a 84-64 victory over Buffalo State in the Golden Flyers' home opener Friday night inside Kidera Gymnasium.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Nazareth used strong early defense and offensive rebounding to settle in during the first quarter, recording buckets from Sarina McDowell and Katie MacLachlan to stay even through the opening minutes.
- The momentum shifted late in the period when the Golden Flyers forced back-to-back turnovers, turning them into fast-break scores from Tessa Schuey and Payton Littlefield to take a 14-13 lead after the first quarter.
- Nazareth broke the game open in the second frame with a 10-2 run sparked by a Madalyn Kelly three, a Leah Fusilli transition layup and more McDowell finishes inside.
- A late push, featuring a MacLachlan put-back, Kelly free throws and buzzer-beating three-pointer by Morgan Caraballo sent the Golden Flyers into halftime up 41-31.
- Kelly and McDowell opened the third with a quick five point while Kiara Anglin added a three to keep the lead in double digits.
- A Caraballo corner three and MacLachlan's fast-break layup closed the third quarter at 63-50.
- Nazareth controlled the fourth frame behind strong rebounding, steady scoring and a 19-1 fast-break advantage to cruise to an 84-64 win.
GAME NOTES
- The Golden Flyers dominated the glass with a 53-42 rebounding advantage, including 17 offensive boards.
- Nazareth outscored Buffalo State 44=36 in the paint and 21-10 off the bench.
- Madalyn Kelly led the Golden Flyers with 18 points and three made three-pointers, her second consecutive double-digit performance. She added a team-best five steals, five rebounds and three assists.
- Katie MacLachlan registered her first double-double of the season with 15 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. The senior guard led Nazareth with five assists and tacked on four steals in 28 minutes of action.
- Sarina McDowell posted 12 points against Buffalo State, going 6 for 7 from the floor with seven rebounds.
- Kiara Anglin added 12 points with eight rebounds and three assists.
UP NEXT
Nazareth heads next door for the Mark's Pizzeria Crosstown Shootout, Nov. 21-22, at St. John Fisher University. The Golden Flyers face RPI, Friday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m. before taking on Rochester, Saturday, Nov. 22, at 3 p.m.
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