PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – A balanced scoring effort and steady control throughout the second half lifted Pace University Men's Basketball to a 79–71 victory over Georgian Court on Tuesday night. The Setters improve to 5–3 overall with the home win. 

Pace set the tone early with strong defensive pressure and efficient offense, opening the game with back-to-back baskets from Paxton Davidson to establish an early advantage. Jabari Nurse and Davidson knocked down perimeter shots during the opening stretch, while Jaden Kealey worked the glass and finished inside as the Blue and Gold steadily built momentum. 

Georgian Court attempted to keep pace at the free-throw line, but Pace answered each push with timely scoring and carried a 39–31 lead into halftime after closing the period on a 14–6 run.

The Setters maintained control after the break, leaning on physical play in the paint and forcing turnovers that turned into transition points. Kealey continued to assert himself on the boards and at the rim, while Ben Manuel provided a spark off the bench with strong finishes and energy on both ends of the floor. 

Midway through the half, Nurse took over offensively, scoring on consecutive possessions to push the lead to double digits and quiet a Georgian Court rally attempt.

Georgian Court made one final push late, cutting the deficit to single digits, but Pace responded calmly at the free-throw line and closed the game with disciplined defense. Nurse sealed the outcome with a series of late free throws, as the Setters controlled the final minutes to secure the eight-point victory.

Nurse led the Blue and Gold with 20 points, while Kealey posted a double-double effort with 16 points and 15 rebounds. Manuel added 14 points off the bench, and Davidson chipped in nine points while directing the offense and creating opportunities for others.

Pace returns to action Wednesday night on the road, visiting Queens with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 p.m.