GREENWOOD, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken lost a 77-66 decision at Lander Saturday afternoon in a Peach Belt Conference contest.

The Pacers are now 10-13 on the season, including a 5-9 mark against league foes. The Bearcats stand at 16-6 overall and 8-6 against conference competition.

Arbry Butler led the way with a game-high 21 points to go along with six rebounds. Dominic Early connected for 14 points and 12 rebounds in a double-double performance. André Anthony chipped in 10 points and four rebounds while playing in foul trouble.

Head coach Vince Alexander's team connected on 23-of-56 shots from the floor (41.1 percent), but hit just three-of-20 (15 percent) from downtown. The squad got to the line and made 17 attempts.

The difference in the game was in points off turnovers as the Bearcats outscored the Pacers 16=4 in that category.

Alexander's team trailed 8-5 until Anthony connected on a deep three-point shot off a pass from Rashad Lewis at the 16-minute mark. Anthony made a pair of free throws 34 seconds later for a two-point edge.

Lewis' three-pointer pushed the lead to four at 15-11 with 13:09 to go in the opening half. Although the Bearcats took a 20-19 lead, Caleb Stewart found an open Butler for an easy finish, helping the Pacers regain the advantage.

Trailing 32-29, Butler and Anthony made back-to-back jumpers, giving the squad a 33-32 lead with 17 seconds remaining in the period. However, Lander hit a three-pointer in the closing seconds, taking a 35-33 lead into intermission.

The Bearcats slowly tried to pull away, but the Pacers continued to fight hard. Trailing 60-49 with 8:43 to play, USC Aiken cut the deficit to just three with 5:44 to go. During the spurt, Butler scored eight points while Early converted an old-fashioned three-point play.

A 9-2 run by the home team pushed the advantage to 10 with just 1:21 to play and Lander was able to hold onto the victory.

The Pacers return to action Wednesday when they play at Clayton State. The game is slated to start at 7:30 p.m.