PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The Elmira College Men's Basketball team dropped its Tuesday evening matchup with the Golden Flyers from Nazareth inside Kidera Gymnasium. After Elmira jumped out to a 22-8 lead that included a nearly 70.0% performance from the floor, the #25 ranked Golden Flyers steadied the tempo and used a late first-half run to secure the victory, 81-71

Bryan Adams '25 and Quintel Clements '22 led the Soaring Eagles offensively with 20 points apiece in the loss.  

JUST THE BASICS:
Location: Pittsford, New York | Kidera Gymnasium
Score: Elmira: 71, Nazareth: 81
Records: Elmira: (5-13, 3-6 Empire 8), #25 Nazareth (17-1, 9-0 Empire 8) 

HOW IT HAPPENED:
Elmira came out playing a zone defense and jumped out to an 18-6 lead through the first six minutes of play on 63.6% shooting from the floor. 

Through the first five minutes of play, Clements was able to notch eight of his team's first 11 points, while Adams '25 and Harry Ravitz '23 each scored five points apiece. 

Along with an early advantage in the rebounding category, Elmira was able to take advantage of Nazareth's 0-for-6 start from beyond the arc. 

Following an Elmira lead that grew to as many as 14 in the opening half, the Golden Flyers were able to cut into the lead with a 19-3 run of their own over the next five minutes of play, eventually retaking the lead at 33-30. 

As the Golden Flyers began securing rebounds, they were able to grow their lead to as many as six while adding eight second-chance points in the opening frame. As the half concluded, Nazareth was able to secure a six-point lead, as both teams cooled off considerably from the floor. For the frame, Elmira was able to shoot 33.3% from the floor (13-of-31) while Nazareth shot 14-of-35 (26.7%). Clements led EC in scoring with 8 points in the half, while Ravitz finished the half with 7 points and 5 rebounds. 

In the second half, the Golden Flyers quickly increased its lead to 11 through the first four minutes of play before Adams, who scored 10 points in the first six minutes of the half was able to cut the EC deficit to just six points with 13:44 remaining. 

As the half continued, Nazareth's lead teetered from as little as six to as large as 15 points, with the Golden Flyers leading 65-51 with 7:25 remaining. After one final push by the Soaring Eagles, Nazareth was able to withstand the full-court press from Elmira, as well as 12 second-half points from Clements, on their way to an 81-71 victory. 

For the game, the Soaring Eagle shot 48.4% from the floor compared to 43.3% from Nazareth which included 10 made shots from beyond the arc.

UP NEXT:
The Soaring Eagles stay on the road as they head to Houghton for a matchup with the Highlanders on Friday evening. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM.