Box Score NEWBERRY, S.C.--USC Aiken fell to Presbyterian College, 69-67, in their season opener and the opening game of the PBC/SAC Clash in Newberry, S.C.
Bryant Latimer's 18 points led the Pacers (0-1). The Blue Hose (3-1) were led by Chuck Rayford's 21 points.
Both teams shot well from the field. USC Aiken shot 43.9 percent compared to PC's 50 percent. The difference came from the charity stripe. The Pacers hit on 9 of 14 compared to Presbyterian's 18 for 26.
The Pacers found themselves down by eight at the half, but a 10-4 run to start the second stanza cut the Blue Hose lead to 39-38. USCA kept it close throughout the second half. With three minutes left in the game the Pacers were within two points but the Blue Hose went 6-8 from the free throw line down the stretch to secure the victory.
Newcomer
Minda Statkus recorded a double-double for the Pacers. The transfer from Pensacola Junior College shot 7 for 11 from the field and 1 for 3 from the line for 15 points. He led USCA with his 10 rebounds.
Rayford shot 57 percent from the field (8/14) and 50 percent from behind the three-point arch (3/6). The pre-season all-conference selection added four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Michael Drum led the Blue Hose with 10 rebounds. Rod Isom, also a pre-season all-conference selection, and Jeff Whittle both scored in double digits for PC with 16 and 11 respectively.
Senior
Eric Dugans scored 13 points for the Pacers. He added eight assists and one steal. Three of the four leading scorers for USC Aiken were making their Pacer debut.
Lee Burton, a transfer from Santa Fe Community College, with 10 points on the evening joined
Bryant and
Statkus.
The Pacers return to action on Saturday when they continue play in the PBC/SAC Clash against host Newberry College. The game will tip-off at 8:00 p.m.
SCORING:
Presbyterian College (69): Matt Scully 5, Chuck Rayford 21, Michael Drum 7, Rod Isom 16, Jeff Whittle 11, Curtis Stamps 0, Johann Collins 2, Willie Brown 0, Andrew Dellinger 7, Tray Ballenger 0, Preston Davis 0
USC Aiken (67): Bryant Latimer 18,
Lee Burton 10,
Eric Dugans 13,
Todd Williams 6,
Minda Statkus 15,
Leroy Williams 0,
Jamall Gray 0,
Taurus Watson 0,
BJ Ivey 0,
Mitch Lewis 3,
Russell Harbin 2,
Mira Jonuska 0
