PHILADELPHIA, PA. – In a New Year's Eve clash on the court, Pace University Men's Basketball was tested in every sense in a back-and-forth road battle against Jefferson University. Despite multiple late leads and strong offensive efficiency, the Setters ultimately came up short in an 86-82 decision away from their home court. Following a Wednesday afternoon contest that featured 13 ties and 20 lead changes, the Blue and Gold now move to 6-4 overall.
The opening half immediately settled into a rhythm of quick answers on both ends.
Paxton Davidson put Pace on the board early with a three-pointer to grab a 3-2 lead, setting the tone for a game defined by shot-making. Jefferson countered, but
Saif Saleh responded inside, and
Jabari Nurse continued to apply pressure downhill as the Setters pushed ahead 14-12 midway through the half.
Late in the half, Jefferson strung together transition scores to open a brief cushion, extending the margin to 39-34, but Pace closed the half with composure as Saleh finished in the paint in the final seconds to trim the deficit to 43-40 at the break.
Pace wasted little time reasserting itself after halftime. Saleh opened the second half with a strong finish to make it 42-43, and Nurse followed moments later with a fast-break layup to swing the score back in Pace's favor at 44-43. The lead changed hands repeatedly over the next several minutes, with Davidson and
David Dix providing timely buckets to keep Pace level at 50-50 and then briefly ahead 53-54. Nurse added a momentum-shifting three to stretch the lead to 56-54 as the Setters looked to gain separation.
Jefferson answered with another surge, reclaiming control at 69-65 with just over seven minutes remaining. The Blue and Gold continued to respond, cutting the margin to two at the line before Davidson drilled a clutch three-pointer to put the Setters back in front, 76–74, with under five minutes to play.
The final stretch became a possession-by-possession battle, with Jefferson capitalizing at the free-throw line and hitting a key three to regain the edge. Pace stayed within striking distance late, highlighted by a Saleh putback that made it 80–82 with 16 seconds remaining, but Jefferson closed out the game at the line in the final moments.
Davidson led the squad with 22 points, connecting on five three-pointers while adding three steals. Nurse followed with 21 points and three steals, and Saleh delivered a strong interior effort with 16 points and nine rebounds.
Men's basketball will look to build on the competitiveness shown throughout Wednesday's battle as the Setters continue their schedule on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. against Franklin Pierce University.
