GARDEN CITY, N.Y. – On Friday night, Pace Men's Basketball kicked off their 2024-25 season at the Conference Challenge, hosted by Adelphi University.

In their opening match-up, the Blue and Gold cruised past Queens College, 76-59, with an all-around effort on both sides of the court.

Here's What Happened

• In the early portion of the contest, the Blue and Gold earned several extra opportunities led by their physical defense. Eight points in the opening ten minutes by Jaden Kealey helped the Setters gain a 17-12 advantage halfway through the first half.
• The Knights struggled from the floor against Pace's tough defense with eight made field goals in the half. Showing no sights of rust to begin the year the Setters shot at a nearly sixty percent rate to take a 36-23 lead into the locker room.
• In the second half, the Blue and Gold continued their efficient play on both ends extending the lead up to 18 points, 46-28. Queens narrowed the advantage to 13 points, 54-41 but the Setters stepped on the gas near the end of the contest.
• Inflicting most of their damage from the charity stripe, Pace knocked down 20 second-half free throws cruising to a 76-59 victory to open the season.

Box Score Insights

• Kealey led both teams in points and rebounds, netting 16 points (6-7 FG) and seven boards.
• Jabari Nurse (14 points, 3 steals) and Trey Boyd III (11 points) were the next leading scorers on the night.
• Tray Alexander produced in all facets of the game with 11 points, nine assists, and six rebounds to go along with three steals.
• Defense led the way for Pace as they held the Knights to a mere 32.7% (18-55) from the field. 18 points off turnovers were also a key factor in the win.
• On the offensive end, the Setters were efficient boasting a 52.3 field goal percentage and a 46.2% mark from downtown.

The Setters step back onto the court tomorrow afternoon against Molloy University. The tip-off for game two of the Conference Challenge is set for 3:00 p.m. from Garden City, N.Y.