SPARKILL, N.Y. – Anisa Akinola set the tone on both ends of the floor on Friday afternoon, guiding Pace University Women's Basketball to a 58-45 road victory over Saint Thomas Aquinas College (STAC). Using a strong second half to create separation, the Setters now improve to 5-7 overall and 1-2 in Northeast 10 play to begin the new year.

Akinola was a steady presence from the opening tip, scoring early and anchoring the defense as Pace worked through a physical first quarter. The Setters briefly trailed 13-11 after one, but found rhythm in the second period.

A late surge capped by a Morgan Ryan three-pointer and a buzzer-beating layup from Ciara Collins flipped momentum, sending Pace into halftime with a 25-20 advantage.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point. Pace opened the half by stretching the lead to 29-27, then steadily pushed the margin behind disciplined defense and timely interior finishes. Cali Chiocchi and Ryan delivered key baskets as the Setters outscored STAC 17-13 in the frame, taking a 42-33 lead into the fourth.

Akinola took over down the stretch, scoring from multiple spots on the floor and knocking down timely three-pointers as Pace built its largest lead of the afternoon. Her shooting sparked a decisive run that pushed the margin to 51-37 midway through the final quarter, allowing the Setters to close out the game with confidence at the free-throw line.

Akinola finished with 19 points, marking the second-highest scoring output of her freshman season, while shooting 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Collins added 13 points, eight rebounds, and four steals, and Ryan chipped in nine points off the bench.

As a team, Pace shot 41.2% from three-point range and held STAC to just 32.1% shooting overall, forcing 18 turnovers in the process.

The Blue and Gold return home on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. to host Southern Connecticut State University at the Goldstein Fitness Center, as the Setters continue Northeast 10 play.