PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. - For the first time in 10 years, the Pace University football team defeated Assumption College. A dominant Setters' rushing attack of nearly 400 yards led to a 35-32 victory over the Greyhounds on Saturday afternoon. Both teams now sit at 4-2 overall and 3-1 in the NE10.  
 
How it Happened
The Setters jumped out to an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to a 50-yard touchdown run on an end-around from senior Darius Jones (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty). Senior quarterback Carlton Aiken (Gibbstown, N.J./Paulsboro) followed suit on the next offensive possession with a 39-yard touchdown scamper of his own.  
 
Assumption cut the Setters' lead to just two-points before halftime but Pace responded quickly after the break. A three-yard touchdown plunge from running back Jhalen Bien-Aime (Dorchester, Mass./Bridgton Academy) extended the lead to nine.
 
Later in the third quarter, Aiken to connected with a wide open Phyll Thomas (Mashantucket, Conn./Bridgton Academy) in the end zone to put Pace in control with a two-touchdown lead.
 
However, three straight rushing touchdowns from the Greyhounds in the fourth quarter gave Assumption its first lead of the game (32-28), with just over a minute remaining.
 
Starting their next drive at their own 26-yard line, Aiken took a shot deep down the middle to senior wide receiver Trey Hodge (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y./Walter Panas) who reeled in a 48-yard pass, which ultimately set up the game-winning score.
 
Aiken found Jones on a 3-yard pass for the go-ahead touchdown with 34 seconds to spare. Assumption's last efforts to answer were put to an end when junior Harrison Moran-Fernandez (Union City, N.J./Union City) intercepted a pass to seal the Pace victory.
 
Inside The Numbers
Aiken racked up a career high 180 rushing yards in Saturday's win. His previous career high also came against Assumption in 2018 when he carried the ball for 159 yards. Aiken finished this week's game with 275 total yards and three touchdowns.
 
Aiken was not the only ball-carrier to eclipse 100 yards on the day. Bien-Aime rushed for a season high 135 yards on 18 carries with a long of 28 and a touchdown.
 
Sophomore Dustin Huseinovic (Harrison, N.J./Harrison) led the defense with 12 total tackles while freshman cornerback Anthony Homes broke up three passes and forced a fumble.
 
The Setters' defense held Assumption's high-powered rushing attack to 183 yards, which is 35 yards fewer than their 217.8 per game average on the year.
 
Next Up
The Setters will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 26 when they take on Bentley at Pace Stadium. Kickoff set for 1 p.m.