YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – The University of South Carolina Aiken lost a 60-47 decision at Young Harris Saturday afternoon in a Peach Belt Conference contest.

The Pacers are now 13-8 overall and fall to 9-3 against league competition.

Mackenzie Reese led head coach Mike Brandt's team with a squad-high 11 points. She was the lone player in double figures in the loss. Kate Duff accounted for eight points before fouling out while Amaura Brandt netted seven points to go along with six boards.

Emry Tsitouris and Carly Gilreath each had six points while Kassy Johannsen led everyone with a game-best 10 rebounds.

The Pacers led 26-19 at the break, but the team was unable to get things going in the second stanza. For the game, USC Aiken managed to hit just 14-of-52 shots from the floor (26.9 percent), including a four-of-20 effort from downtown (20 percent). 

Brandt's team committed 17 turnovers while forcing just 11. His team was also out-rebounded 42-40, but maintained a 14-12 advantage on the offensive glass. USC Aiken also held an 11-8 edge in second-chance points, but Young Harris totaled 40 points off the bench compared to 15 for the Pacers.

The Pacers jumped out to a 9-2 lead as Reese netted four quick points. Stephanie Ball hammered home a three-pointer and Johannsen hit a jumper during the run. 

Leading 12-10, Gilreath canned a three-pointer for a five-point edge at the 10:41 mark in the opening half. Tsitouris took a pass from Tiffany Addison for an easy bucket and a seven-point lead. 

Young Harris made it an 18-15 contest, but Duff connected on a pair of free thorws for a five-point margin. With 4:24 to play, Reese hit a both charity tosses for a 22-15 advantage. Tsitouris twisted past the defense for a bucket with 3:08 to go, giving the visitors a 24-15 lead. USC Aiken would take a 26-19 lead into the break.

Coming out of the break, the Mountain Lions netted 12 of the first 14 points for a 31-28 lead. Brandt's team tied it at 32 when Amaura Brandt hit a jumper off a pass from Ball. However, Young Harris scored 10 straight points and USC Aiken was unable to get back into the game. 

The Pacers return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 4, when they host UNC Pembroke at 5:30 p.m. Following the game, Beth Spangler will sing the National Anthem prior to the men's contest in the Convocation Center.