WORCESTER, MA. – Pace University Men's Basketball delivered when it mattered most Wednesday night, executing in the final minute to defeat Assumption University, 62–59, and close the regular season on the road. The Setters controlled the first half with a dominant run and showed late-game composure to improve to 16–10 (11–7) NE10 play with postseason play beginning on Saturday.

Pace seized command midway through the opening half with a decisive 21–4 burst that flipped the tempo of the game. Paxton Davidson ignited the run with back-to-back three-pointers, Jayden James cleaned up a second-chance opportunity, and Ben Manuel finished strong inside as the margin swelled to 23–8. The Setters defended with urgency during the stretch, forcing turnovers and limiting clean looks, and carried a 34–25 lead into halftime.

Assumption responded with a sustained push in the second half, trimming the deficit to one possession midway through the period. Pace never wavered. Davidson and David Dix answered with key baskets to steady the momentum, and the Setters matched physicality on the glass to prevent the Greyhounds from fully seizing control.

With the game tied at 59–59 in the final minute, Pace showed its poise. Dix attacked the rim and finished the go-ahead layup with 38 seconds remaining. Davidson followed with a critical steal on the next possession, and Dix added a free throw to extend the lead. Manuel sealed the win with a late defensive stop, preserving the three-point victory.

Manuel led the Setters with 15 points and six rebounds, while Davidson added 13 points, five assists, and three steals. Jaden Kealey contributed 12 points and seven rebounds as Pace controlled the glass, 38–24, and shot 47.9 percent from the field.

With the regular season complete, the Setters enter the Northeast 10 Championship as the No. 3 seed and will host No. 6 Saint Michael's College on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at the Goldstein Fitness Center, carrying confidence and momentum into postseason play.