BRISTOL, Tenn. – The University of South Carolina Aiken men's basketball team rattled off a 69-63 victory at King (Tenn.) Saturday afternoon in a non-conference contest.

The Pacers improve to 10-2 on the season with the victory.

In the win, senior Ronald Zimmerman eclipsed the 1,000-point mark for his career. Zimmerman, needing just 10 points to reach the milestone heading into the game, led all scorers with 22 points. He also grabbed eight rebounds and added a steal for the victors.

DeVontae Wright notched 18 points while playing all 40 minutes. He also dished out a game-best five assists. Paul Larsen quietly had a double-double despite limited playing time due to four personal fouls. Larsen netted 10 points and corralled a game-high 10 rebounds.

Head coach Vince Alexander's team hit 24-of-52 shots from the floor (46.2 percent), including a seven-of-15 effort from downtown (46.7 percent). USC Aiken maintained a 35-32 advantage on the glass and registered eight steals compared to four by the home squad.  The Pacers pulled down 11 offensive boards and totaled 16 points off turnovers.

Trailing 34-33 with 3:15 to go in the first half, USC Aiken reeled off the final five points of the half for a 38-34 lead at halftime. The run was sparked by Zimmerman's lay-up. Larsen completed the five-point run on an old-fashioned three-point play with just 31 ticks on the clock before intermission.

Tied at 39 early in the second period, the Pacers embarked on a 15-3 spurt, taking control of the game. Wright buried a jumper and was fouled on the play. He easily connected on the ensuing charity toss for a 42-39 edge.

Wright and Zimmerman drained back-to-back three-point shots for a 48-39 lead, but King hit an inside shot, making it 48-41 with 15:16 to go. Wright drilled two free throws at the 13:47 mark and Grant Harris nailed a jumper for a 52-41 margin. After a free throw by the home team, Wright's jumper with a hand in his face pushed the score to 54-52, forcing a time-out. It also marked the largest lead of the game by USC Aiken.

King pulled within five over the final few minutes, but the strong defense by Alexander's team kept the home team from getting any closer.

The Pacers return to action on Saturday, Jan. 4, when they host Columbus State in a Peach Belt Conference contest. It is also Military Appreciation Day. Any military personnel wearing their uniform or brings their military ID will be allowed in the game free of charge. The men's team plays at approximately 7:30 p.m., as the contest follows the women's game, which starts at 5:30 p.m.