PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – On Tuesday night, Pace University Men's Basketball fought through a tightly contested match-up, outlasting the College of Staten Island (CSI) 55-54 inside the Goldstein Fitness Center. The Setters held their poise in the final minute to improve to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in Northeast 10 play, earning another hard-earned result on their home floor.
Pace opened the night with steady scoring from
Ethan Robertson and
Jayden James, while
Jabari Nurse gave the Setters an early spark with a driving finish and a three-pointer from the wing.
Saif Saleh added a strong basket off the bench, and
Jaden Kealey provided reliable work around the rim. Robertson's tip-in and back-to-back makes from Nurse late in the half helped fuel a push before James closed the period with a layup, sending the Setters into halftime trailing just 31-28.
Pace tightened defensively after the break and stayed efficient on the boards. Robertson converted a pair of early chances inside, James knocked down a three up top, and Kealey battled through the lane for several key baskets. Nurse later buried a deep three to tie the game at 47-47 with just over seven minutes remaining, setting up a tense final stretch.
In the closing minutes, Nurse knocked down two free throws, and James scored in transition off a steal to help Pace regain the lead. Kealey added another strong finish in the paint, and the Setters secured the win with a firm defensive stand in the final seconds, highlighted by a block from James and a decisive rebound from Robertson.
Nurse led the Setters with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Kealey added 15 points and seven boards. James and Robertson each finished with nine points, with Robertson also collecting nine rebounds and four steals.
Paxton Davidson guided the offense with five assists as Pace controlled the glass throughout the night.
Men's Basketball returns to the Goldstein Fitness Center next Wednesday to host Assumption University at 7:30 p.m. for Pride Hoops Night.