MANCHESTER, N.H. – On Saturday afternoon, Pace University Women's Basketball delivered one of its strongest road performances of the season, leading for much of the contest before Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) pulled ahead in the final minute to claim a 65-60 Northeast 10 decision. The Setters slipped to 6-12 overall and 2-7 in conference play after the game swung on a late three-pointer and free throws down the stretch at the Stan Spirou Field House.
Pace set the tone early, playing with confidence on both ends to build momentum in the opening quarter.
Ciara Collins and
Cali Chiocchi sparked the offense as the Setters shot over 53 percent in the first 10 minutes and jumped out to an 18–12 lead. Pace continued to control the tempo in the second quarter, extending the advantage behind efficient interior scoring and ball movement. A late basket before the break helped the Setters carry a 35–30 lead into halftime after shooting 46.7 percent in the opening half.
The third quarter remained tightly contested as both teams traded baskets. Pace continued to find success inside, with Collins and
Anisa Akinola combining to keep the Setters in front. Despite Southern New Hampshire trimming the margin, Pace entered the final period holding a 50–44 advantage after outscoring the hosts 15–14 in the third.
The Penmen made their push in the fourth quarter, slowly chipping away as Pace's shots narrowly missed. The game was tied at 56–56 midway through the period before the hosts took their first lead since the opening quarter on a late three-pointer with under a minute remaining. Pace responded with a strong finish at the rim from Akinola to briefly regain the lead, but Southern New Hampshire answered again from beyond the arc and sealed the game at the free-throw line in the final seconds.
Collins led Pace with 19 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Chiocchi added an efficient 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting along with seven rebounds. Akinola finished with nine points, four rebounds, and three steals, and
LyNeta Brand contributed six points and ten rebounds as Pace won the rebounding battle 41-31.
Next in store for the Blue and Gold is a home meeting against American International College at 7:30 p.m. next Tuesday.
