MANCHESTER, N.H. – On Saturday afternoon in a rematch of the 2025 Northeast 10 (NE10) Conference Championship final, Pace University Men's Basketball built a commanding first-half lead before holding off a late push to secure a 68–60 road victory over Southern New Hampshire University. The NE10 win inside the Stan Spirou Field House lifts the Setters to 10-7 overall and 5–4 in conference play as the end of the regular season continues to near.
Pace wasted little time asserting control.
Paxton Davidson drilled a three-pointer on the opening possession, and
Jayden James followed with strong finishes in transition as the Setters jumped out to an early advantage. Defensive pressure and work on the glass fueled a decisive run midway through the half, highlighted by a
David Dix three-pointer and multiple second-chance baskets from
Ben Manuel. Pace continued to attack the paint and closed the opening period on a surge, taking a 32–15 lead into halftime after holding the hosts to just five field goals in the first 20 minutes.
Southern New Hampshire responded after the break, trimming the margin with increased tempo and perimeter shooting. Pace answered behind
Jaden Kealey, who scored consistently inside and at the free-throw line to steady the momentum. The Setters pushed the lead back to 44–20 early in the half beforethe Penmen began to chip away, cutting the deficit to single digits late.
Down the stretch, Pace remained composed. Kealey converted a tip-in to make it 50–38 with just over six minutes remaining, and Dix and Davidson combined to knock down key free throws in the final minute as the Setters sealed the eight-point road win over the Penmen.
Kealey led Pace with 19 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double, while James added 11 points, five steals, and 13 rebounds. Manuel chipped in 13 points off the bench, and Dix contributed 11 points, including a pair of three-pointers.
As a squad, Pace dominated the glass with 48 rebounds and scored 36 points in the paint, creating 26 second-chance points.
The Setters return home on Tuesday to host American International College, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. for Pace Goes Pink night.
