AIKEN, S.C. – The 13th-ranked University of South Carolina Aiken men's basketball team started off sluggish in the first half and had to scramble in the closing seconds to gain ground but were unable to get much going in the way of offense to fully recover as they fell 78-72 to the Braves of the University of North Carolina Pembroke in Peach Belt Conference action Wednesday night at the Convocation Center.

The Pacers fall to 9-3 overall and now find themselves 3-2 in PBC action after suffering their first loss of the 2011 portion of their 2010-11 slate. UNC Pembroke improves to a similar 9-3 for the season and improve to an even 2-2 in league play.

USC Aiken was held to 30.6 percent (11-36) from the field in the first half as they could only muster two six-point leads in the first stanza before entering intermission clinging to a 32-27 lead.

UNC Pembroke controlled the floor as they shot a solid 53.2 percent (25-47) from the field, including an impressive 60.9 percent (14-23) in the second half to overcome the five-point halftime deficit and build as much as an eight point lead late in the second half.

Down by eight with 56 seconds left on the clock, the Pacers fought hard to record a miraculous come-from-behind victory picking up a stout full-court press that caused the Braves to stumble and give up two costly turnovers. USC Aiken was able to close to within two points with 32 ticks left on the clock off a long three-point jumper by Byron Faison; however, they were unable to overcome the deficit, eventually surrendering the final four points in free throws to fall 78-72.

Faison (Sumter, S.C./Crestwood) was the top scorer in the game knocking down 20 points, 14 of which came in the second stanza alone. Michael Technow (Boca Raton, Fla./American) and Chase Holmes (Chesnee, S.C./Presbyterian) each scored in double-digits as well with 14 and 11 points respectively.

In total, four Braves recorded double digit points for UNC Pembroke with K.J. Cooper leading the charge with 17 points as he went an impressive 8-11 from the field. George Blakeney and Cody Hughes each recorded 14 points and Shahmel Brackett ended his evening with 12.

The Pacers will remain at home for their next conference match-up as the Pirates of Armstrong Atlantic State sail into town on Saturday, Jan. 8. Tip-off will be immediately following the women's game at approximately 7:30 p.m.

The night will be sponsored by Beef 'O' Brady's and Verve. The USC Aiken athletic department will also honor its spirit groups on the evening.

The game will be able to be followed live on USC Aiken's official athletic website at www.PacerSports.com.