AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken women's basketball team notched a 78-70 win over visiting Georgia Southwestern Wednesday night in a Peach Belt Conference contest.

The Pacers improve to 9-16 overall, including a 7-9 ledger in league play.

It was the fourth victory in the last six outings for head coach Mike Brandt's team as it climbed within a game of second place in the PBC East and sits a game ahead of Lander in the third spot.

Things didn't start off easy for the Pacers Wednesday night as Georgia Southwestern (9-15, 4-13 PBC) opened the game with a 13-4 run in the opening five minutes of action before the Pacers were able to turn things around.

With just over eight minutes to go in the opening half, Mackenzie Reese converted a driving layup. Reese, who has proven to be the veteran leadership needed at crucial times in the recent stretch, finished the night with 13 points off a 5-9 shooting performance.

Following Reese's layup, the Pacers closed out the half out-scoring the 'Canes 19-13 to take a 40-33 lead into halftime.

Out of the break, GSW managed to score the first four points, but USC Aiken methodically increased its lead to 19 when Reese buried a short runner.

The Pacers flirted with close to a 20-point lead for much of the middle part of the stanza, but the visitors trimmed the margin to single digits with 3:34 to play. 

The 'Canes sliced the score to just six points with 42 ticks remaining, but USC Aiken was able to close out the win.

Mariah Durian led all players with 17 points while also chipping in six rebounds. Reese added 13 points while Courtney Mealing accounted for 12 points. Porsha Martin was solid, tallying eight points and nine rebounds. Amaura Brandt had eight markers while Kate Duff recorded seven to go along with her team-best three steals. 

The Pacers return to action Saturday when they travel to Armstrong. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.