Men's Basketball | November 13, 2018

Throughout the 2018-19 season, the USC Aiken Athletic Communications office will provide weekly notes, giving all of Pacer Nation an in-depth look at the team.

Hot Start 

For the second time in head coach Mark Vanderslice's four seasons, USC Aiken started 2-0. The Pacers opened with a victory over Tusculum before knocking off No. 3 Lincoln Memorial in the two games that were part of the PBC-SAC Challenge.

First Win Ever Over No. 3

Since moving to Division II, USC Aiken has played 46 games against nationally-ranked opponents. However, the contest against Lincoln Memorial marked the first time the program had squared off against a No. 3 team during that time. The Pacers prevailed by a 79-68 score, marking their first victory over a No. 3 team – and it also marked the highest-ranked team the program has defeated since moving to Division II.

Ty'lik Is A Terror On Opposing Teams

Senior transfer Ty'lik Evans has already proven to be a force to be reckoned with through two games. He is averaging 18 points a contest to go along with 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists a night. He poured in 23 points in the win over Tusculum before netting 13 in the victory over No. 3 Lincoln Memorial.

Freshmen Impact

Head coach Mark Vanderslice's team could have multiple freshmen who make a big impact on the team this season based off the first two contests. Myles Washington is averaging 5.0 points per game and 2.5 rebounds a contest in just 10 minutes of work a night. Melvin McKie has played 14 minutes, including some during a crucial stretch in the victory over the Railsplitters. McKie sports a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Region Wins

With a limited number of non-conference games on the schedule, the two victories over SAC foes Tusculum and Lincoln Memorial are huge for the squad in terms of region rankings later this year. The Pacers have just four more non-conference games on the slate – and all four are at home (Claflin, North Greenville, Elizabeth City State and Paine).

Continuing The Homestand

After an outstanding opening weekend, Pacer Nation will be in store for five more home games in a row. The squad hosts Claflin, North Greenville, Elizabeth City State, Georgia College and Georgia Southwestern before leaving the friendly confines of the Convocation Center on Dec. 5 for a huge game at Columbus State.

Inside The Numbers

This week, USC Aiken hosts Claflin on Wednesday, Nov. 14 before entertaining North Greenville on Saturday, Nov. 17. Since moving to Division II, the Pacers are 106-115 (48.0 percent) in Wednesday contests and 184-161 (53.3 percent) in Saturday games. During that same time, the program is 0-3 on Nov. 14 and 5-2 on Nov. 17.

Against The Opponents

This week, USC Aiken hosts Claflin on Wednesday, Nov. 14 before entertaining North Greenville on Saturday, Nov. 17. The Pacers hold a 10-4 record in the all-time series against Claflin, including a 5-2 ledger at home. USC Aiken is 2-1 in the series against the Crusaders, with the last contest being a 74-63 victory on Dec. 9, 2017, for the Pacers.