ROCHESTER, NY: The SUNY Geneseo women's basketball punched its ticket to the Empire 8 Championship on Wednesday night, clinching a 54-48 victory over the top-seeded Nazareth Golden Flyers. With the win, the Knights improve to 19-8 overall. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Knights got on the board early in the first quarter, as Grace Galgano knocked down a pair of free throws in the opening minute. The teams continued to trade baskets down the stretch, keeping it close in a low-scoring frame. By the end of the quarter, Nazareth held a 11-9 advantage over Geneseo.
• Geneseo found momentum to begin the second quarter, scoring six points in the first four minutes to move in front. Nazareth then answered midway through the frame and took the lead back with 48 seconds remaining. Audrey Hintz connected on a jumper in the paint to tie the score at 17, but Nazareth responded with a fast break layup as time ran out. Going into the half, Nazareth carried a 19-17 lead over Geneseo. 
• The Knights found their spark in the third quarter, building a nine-point cushion at 32-23. The Golden Flyers battled to close the gap, but Geneseo held on with a 36-32 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
• The Knights opened the fourth quarter with a layup from Hintz, followed by a jumper in the paint from Maggie McGrane to stretch the lead. The Golden Flyers answered once again, eventually knotting the game at 45 with less than two minutes left. Galgano clutched up at the line for the Knights, burying six free throws in under 16 seconds to help seal a 54-48 semifinal victory.

QUICK FACTS:

• Galgano led the offense with 15 points, adding 13 rebounds and going a perfect 10-for-10 at the free throw line.
• Hintz contributed 12 points and shot 6-for-8 from the field.
• Aliza Whitehead and McGrane chipped in eight points apiece.

WHAT'S NEXT:
Geneseo will face No. 3 Houghton in the Empire 8 Championship on Saturday, February 28 at 2 P.M.