BUFFALO, N.Y. — Nazareth College's red-hot night from the floor led it to a 95-67 victory over the Marietta College men's basketball team Friday (Nov. 20) night in the first game of Buffalo State University's Coles Classic. [Box Score]

With the victory, the Golden Flyers (1-1) advanced to Saturday (Nov. 21) night's championship game at 7 p.m. against the winner of Friday's second match-up between the University of Pitt.-Bradford and host Buffalo State. Marietta (1-1) will battle the other team in the consolation game at 5 p.m.

Marietta's defense could not slow down the Nazareth attack, as the Golden Flyers shot 57.1% (20-of-35) from the field over the first 20 minutes of play and 52.3% (34-of-65) for the game. Nazareth, who out-rebounded Marietta 42-34, also connected on 10-of-22 (45.5% ) from three-point range. The Pioneers, meanwhile, shot 43.8% (28-of-64) from the field but just 2-of-14 from long range in the game.

Marietta sophomore standout Kevin Knab (Lakewood, Lakewood) poured in 17 points, hitting 7-of-10 from the field, and added a team-best 6 rebounds, while sophomore center Conner Kilpatrick (Bowling Green, Bowling Green) added a career-best 13 points. Sophomore wing Trevor Halter (Malvern, Malvern), freshman guard Jacob Owens (Mansfield, Mansfield) and freshman wing Scott Kimmey (Olmsted Falls, Olmsted Falls) all contributed 7 points in the loss.

Back-to-back jumpers from Kilpatrick helped Marietta trade buckets with Nazareth early. The Golden Flyers then took control with an 11-2 run over the next 3 minutes to stake themselves to a 16-6 advantage with 14:50 to play in the half. Minutes later, a three-pointer from Kimmey cut the Pioneers' deficit to 9 points, 22-13. It was as close as Marietta would come the rest of the way, however, as Nazareth ended the half on a 32-10 run to take a 54-23 lead into intermission.

Marietta outscored Nazareth 44-41 over the final 20 minutes, but the Pioneers were unable to overcome their slow start and fell 95-67.

Five players scored in double figures for Nazareth. Jason Corletta had a game-high 21 points, while Corey McAdam added 19 points and 7 assists, Phil Scaffidi contributed 15 points, Dan Waldbillig finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds and Tyshun Stephens had 13 points in the win.