PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Behind an impressive 17 assists from Tray Alexander, No. 15 Pace men's basketball earned their ninth straight win over Saint Michael's College by a final score of 80-68. The win ties a program record for consecutive victories to begin a season as the Blue and Gold continue their stellar start to the 2024-25 season.

Alexander's 17 assists match a career-high for the Freeport, N.Y. native as he posted eight helpers in the first half and nine in the second.

Following the in-conference win, the Setters improve to 9-0 overall, and 4-0 in the Northeast-10.

Here's What Happened

• Kicking off the contest, Trey Boyd III made the first three shots for Pace as they opened up on a 7-2 run. Throughout the first half, the Setters had their way in the paint and increased their lead to as much as 12 points.
• With a 7-0 run late in the half, Pace snagged a 36-29 advantage heading into the locker room. In the first half, Boyd III had a smooth touch from the floor knocking down five field goals to rack up 12 points.
• In the second half, Saint Michael's utilized a 12-6 run to shrink Pace's lead to one point, 42-41. The Setters responded quickly with two three-point makes from Boyd III increasing the lead back to ten points, 51-41.
• Later on in the half, the Purple Knights threatened the Setters' lead with a 13-5 run. However, Jaden Kealey answered back with two straight makes down low and in the final minutes, the Purple Knights forced Pace to the free throw line where the game was decided.
• 14 points in the second half from Kealey helped the blue and gold gain control over the Purple Knights on their way to an 80-68 win highlighting their ninth in a row.

Box Score Insights

• The duo of Boyd III and Kealey combined for 38 points with Boyd III notching 20 points and Kealey producing 18.
• Alexander led the way on the offensive end dishing out 17 assists to go alongside 14 points and five rebounds. In the contest, Alexander surpassed 300 assists in his Setter career becoming the 16th member of the club. 
• Jabari Nurse had an efficient game on both ends of the floor netting 11 points and a career-best four steals.
• Points in the paint have been the name of the game for the Blue and Gold and on Saturday the Setters tallied 40 points down low compared to the Purple Knights' 18.

The No. 15 Setters ride a nine-game win streak into their next match-up set for Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. against Wilmington University of Delaware.