MEN'S BASKETBALL FALLS TO BRYANT, 80-72

SMITHFIELD, RI - The Pace University men's basketball team fell to the Bryant University Bulldogs, 80-72, at the Chace Center in Smithfield, RI in a Northeast-10 Conference match-up. The Setters drop to 10-9 on the season, 6-5 in the NE-10; while the Bulldogs improve to 10-5 overall and 8-4 in conference play.

The first half that saw action from both sides, but it would be the Bulldogs who were able to pull away, outscoring the Setters 21-11 throughout the final eight minutes of the half. Bryant led by as many as 12 points before taking a 40-31 lead into the break. The Setters shot 52.2% (12-for-23) from the floor and connected on 3-for-6 from three, while the Bulldogs shot 45.7% (16-35) from the field, hitting 6 of 13 from beyond the arc for the half.

The Setters were unable to overcome their first half deficit as Bryant never trailed in the second frame. After being down by as many as 12 points in the second half, Pace cut the lead down to four points, 76-72, with 2:48 left in regulation, but their comeback would fall short as they never scored again. Chris Burns iced the game for the Bulldogs converting on four free throw attempts for the final points of the game. Burns led all scorers with a game-high 31 points, shooting 8-for-17 from three and going 7-for-9 from the charity stripe.

For Pace, Desmond Quincy-Jones (Rye, NY/Rye) (Rye, NY/Rye) scored a team-high 21 points, shooting 7-for-13 from the field. Ryan Williams (Centreville, VA/Paul VI) (Centreville, VA/Paul VI) and Randy Wilson (Peekskill, NY/Peekskill) (Peekskill, NY/Peekskill) each contributed with 14 points apiece, with Williams scoring all of his points in the second half. Williams also added a game-high 10 rebounds, recording a double-double.  Freshman Carlos Howard (Fort Washington, MD/Gonzaga College High) was the fourth Setter in double figures, chipping in with 10 points.

Along with Burns, Jon Ezeokoli was the other Bulldog in double figures adding 12 points. Andrew Lyell recorded a team-high nine rebounds, while Nathaniel Sudlow dished out a game-high seven assists.

Bryant won the battle of the glass, 37-28.

Pace returns to action on Saturday, January 13^th, when they host the University of Massachusetts - Lowell Riverhawks in a Northeast-10 Conference match-up. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.