NEW HAVEN, CT - It's the start of a new year and #7 Pace Men's Basketball continues to shine as they remain undefeated with a commanding victory over Southern Connecticut State University Thursday evening.
On Dec. 31, the Blue and Gold became ranked
7th in the nation, which is their highest ranking in program history. The squad continues to impress with a 13-0 overall and 5-0 Northeast-10 (NE10) record after defeating the Owls on their home court, 91-58.
Here's What Happened:
- Trey Boyd III recorded seven of the Setters nine opening points to start the night and since the Blue and Gold held a 13-12 advantage, it was smooth sailing ever since. Boyd tallied another bucket and Tray Alexander added a three pointer to the mix for the 18-12 lead.
- Jabari Nurse and Darren Fergus assisted in the 13 point edge, 31-18, and it would be Nurse who closed out the first half of play going 2-2 from the charity stripe, 49-26.
- Josh Hopson kept the Blue and Gold momentum flowing in the second half with a bucket in the paint, 51-26. The forward eventually gave the Setters their largest lead of the night at 49, 91-42, and it would be the final marker for the team as Pace maintains their perfect record with the 91-58 victory.
Box Score Insights:
- Boyd led the team with a career-high 26-points shooting 5-7 (71%) from behind the arc. Nurse was second on the team with 14 points and recorded five rebounds and two steals.
- Alexander, who leads all Division II players with assists, recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 assist.
- Jamaal Waters (11) and Fergus (10) were the final two players to reach double-digit points. Jaden Kealey led the team with eight boards.
- As a team, the Blue and Gold shot 51% (33-65) from the field and 41% (9-22) from three while forcing 17 Owl turnovers for 22 converted points.
UP NEXT: SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
Pace Men's Basketball will return to action versus Southern New Hampshire University Sunday, Jan. 5, in Manchester, NH at 3:30pm.
