PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Pace University Men's Basketball turned in a defense-first performance on Wednesday night, defeating Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), 56-47, in Northeast 10 play at the Goldstein Fitness Center. With the victory, the Setters improve to 8-4 overall and 3-1 in conference play after holding the visitors to just 30.8 percent shooting from the field.

The opening half was tightly contested, with both teams trading baskets through the early minutes. Jaden Kealey helped set the tone inside, while Paxton Davidson provided a spark from the perimeter to steady the offense early, 12-8. Midway through the half, Pace began to gain separation over SCSU. Reginiging NE10 Rookie of the Week, Saif Saleh, was active on the glass and attacked the rim, earning trips to the free-throw line as the Blue and Gold slowly built momentum. Late execution proved crucial, as Pace closed the half strong at the stripe to take a 27-23 lead into the break.

The Setters carried that momentum into the second half, opening with a Davidson three to push the lead over the Owls, 30-23. As the second half wore-on, Pace continued to control the tempo with solid offense and timely defensive stops taking a 12 point advantage, 42-30 near the 12 minute mark.

The Blue and Gold continued to cruise down the stretch led by a key steal and score from the duo of Davidson and Kealey that stretched the lead to double-digits, 48-38. With 2 minutes remaining, Saleh managed to net two more points at the charity stripe leading to a convincing, 56-47 win for the Setter on their home floor. 

Davidson led all scorers with 18 points and a career-best five steals, while Saleh posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Kealey added 11 points and also a career-high five steals as the Setters closed out the nine-point win.

Pace Men's Basketball is back in action on Saturday where they will face Saint Anselm College at 3:30 p.m. on the road.