ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The University of South Carolina Aiken men's basketball lost a 77-68 decision to Davenport in the SCB Hall Of Fame Classic Friday afternoon.

It marked the season opener for both teams.

Head coach Mark Vanderslice's team was led by Tracus Chisholm's team-best 17 points. Gus Rowland tallied 14 points, four assists and three steals in the contest.

Newcomer Dhieu Deing and Damontez Oliver registered 12 points apiece.

Xzavier Barmore gave USC Aiken a 2-0 lead after a steal and pass from Rowland. The Pacers pushed the margin to there when Chisholm buried a three-ball, giving the designated visitors an 8-5 lead.

The teams traded baskets and Rowland gave Vanderslice's team a 16-15 lead after hitting a pair of charity tosses with 13:30 to play in the first half.

Davenport held a 29-20 lead, but Chisholm canned a three-ball. Oliver hit a shot from distance and was fouled on the play. He hit the ensuing free throw for the rare four-point play while slicing the deficit to two at 29-27. However, the Panthers held a 46-35 lead at the break.

Vanderslice's team pulled within six on three occasions in the second half, but could not get any closer in the hard-fought contest.

For the game, USC Aiken connected on 22-of-59 from the floor (37.3 percent), including five-of-20 from downtown (25 percent). The squad went to the charity stripe 23 times, hitting 19 attempts (82.6 percent).

Vanderslice's team held an 18-12 edge on the break and converted 15 turnovers into 19 points. The Pacers also maintained a 55-44 advantage in the paint.

The Pacers return to action tomorrow against No. 7 West Texas A&M at 3:15 CST. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.