NEW HAVEN, CT. – On Wednesday night, Pace University Men's Basketball flipped the script after halftime, storming back from a 10-point deficit to defeat Southern Connecticut State University, 60–56, in Northeast 10 action. The Setters outscored the hosts 36–22 over the final 20 minutes to earn their fourth win in the last five games, while
Jaden Kealey secured his 500th career rebound, becoming the 23rd player in program history to reach the milestone.
Southern Connecticut State controlled the early tempo and jumped out to an 8–2 lead before Pace settled in.
Jabari Nurse finished in transition, and
Paxton Davidson knocked down a three-pointer to trim the deficit to 12–9 midway through the half. The hosts responded with a run, stretching the margin to 21–13 and later 30–18.
Ben Manuel converted inside, and Kealey added a putback late, but Pace entered halftime trailing 34–24.
The Setters came out aggressively after the break. Manuel scored on a second-chance bucket to make it 34–26, and Davidson followed with a three to cut it to 36–31. Nurse then jumped a passing lane for a steal and fast-break layup, pulling Pace within 38–35. Minutes later, Kealey powered through contact for an and-one to tie the game at 40–40, energizing the bench while grabbing his milestone rebound during the sequence.
The teams traded baskets before Pace took control for good. Nurse attacked the rim to give the Setters a 48–46 edge, and Davidson added a key finish to extend the lead to 52–48 with just over four minutes remaining. Southern Connecticut State briefly tied the game at 54–54, but Pace answered with a Manuel putback and two Davidson free throws to move ahead 58–54.
The Setters then locked in defensively over the final minute, and Davidson sealed the win at the line to secure the 60–56 decision.
Nurse led Pace with 16 points and four steals, while Kealey added 15 points and eight rebounds. Manuel contributed 12 points and five boards, and Davidson chipped in 11 points and four assists as Pace shot over 50 percent in the second half.
The Setters return home on Saturday to host Saint Anselm College for a 3:30 p.m. tip-off at the Goldstein Fitness Center as part of Pace's Black Excellence Celebration.
