PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – The Pace University men's basketball team closed out the regular season with a bang, with the Setters picking up an 81-56 win over Franklin Pierce University Tuesday night in Pleasantville. Senior Brandon Powell (Middletown, N.Y./Pine Bush / FDU) had a career night, scoring a career-high 44 points and tying the program record with 11 three pointers.

The victory gives Pace a 19-9 record on the year, with an 11-9 mark in the NE10. Franklin Pierce finishes the regular season with a record of 16-11, with an identical 11-9 finish in the conference.

Powell got things started early with a three pointer in the opening seconds, as the Setters took an early 8-2 lead. After the Ravens got within a point, Pace responded with nine straight, seven coming from Powell. A three by senior Bryan Powell (Middletown, N.Y./Canterbury School), who had 10 points and six rebounds in the contest, extended the lead to 11. After Franklin Pierce went on a 15-4 run to cut their deficit to two, Bryan Powell (Middletown, N.Y./Canterbury School) answered with a three to make it a 31-26 game late in the half. Another three, this one coming from graduate student Adonis Williams (Spring Valley, N.Y./Brooks School / Adelphi) in the final seconds, put the home team ahead 37-33 at the half.

After Franklin Pierce scored four straight to tie the game at 37 early in the second, Brandon Powell (Middletown, N.Y./Pine Bush / FDU) and the Setters took control of the game. The senior hit back-to-back threes, with the second one coming from not far inside half court, then two minutes later hit another as Pace scored 11 unanswered to go ahead 48-37. After the Ravens hit a pair of shots from beyond the arc, Brandon Powell (Middletown, N.Y./Pine Bush / FDU) scored all the points in a 7-2 Setter run to put Pace ahead by 10. Two more threes from the senior were part of eight straight points to make it a commanding 63-47 lead for the home team. Late in the second half, Brandon Powell (Middletown, N.Y./Pine Bush / FDU) hit two more threes, bringing his total to 11 on the night and tying a program record that had stood for 33 years as the Setters took home an 81-56 victory.

Powell scored 34 of his 44 points in the second half, shooting 11-of-15 in the final 20 minutes. He also pulled down 10 rebounds on the night, leading the team in that category as well. Williams had five points and seven rebounds in the game, and junior Lyron Bennett (Boston, Mass./Tech Boston / Southern Connecticut State) had four points and a team-high eight assists.

The team honored its graduating class prior to the game, with Williams, forward Christian Adams (New Haven, Conn./Hamden Hall), forward Frankyn Batista (Barahona, Dominican Republic/Hyde / AIC), guard Adeleye Oyekanmi (Staten Island, NY/Curtis), Brandon Powell (Middletown, N.Y./Pine Bush / FDU), and team manager Brian Brahm being celebrated.

The Setters now move on to the opening round of the NE10 tournament, as Pace will host Adelphi University Friday, February 24 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are as follows: Adults: $10; Youth (under 18) and Seniors: $5. All NE10 students with a valid ID will be admitted free of charge.