AIKEN, S.C. – The No. 16 University of South Carolina Aiken men's basketball team jumped out to an early lead and posted a 90-74 victory over Lander Wednesday evening in the PBC Quarterfinal.

The Pacers improve to 25-4 on the season. The Bearcats finish the year at 12-17.

Xzavier Barmore registered a double-double while establishing a school record with 17 assists. The 17 distributions also tied a PBC Tournament single-game record. He added 17 points, seven rebounds and three thefts as well.

Ty'lik Evans scored a team-best 22 points. He added a game-high six steals to go along with six assists and five rebounds. Faison Brock accounted for 17 points, seven rebounds and a pair of blocks while rookie Shaquan Jules came off the bench to net 14 points and grab six rebounds.

Robert Hill totaled six points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Myles Washington totaled seven boards and five points. Kyle Tackeberry amassed five points and five rebounds while Darius Bell chipped in four markers.

Head coach Mark Vanderslice's team connected on 38-of-78 from the floor (48.7 percent), including 11-of-29 from downtown (37.9 percent). The squad out-rebounded the visitors 51-39. USC Aiken also held a 39-8 edge in fast-break points and a 54-42 margin in the paint.

Leading 5-4, the Pacers embarked on a 10-0 spurt. Brock hit a three-ball and Evans took a long pass from Hill and converted a lay-up. Brock hit another shot from distance and Evans raced through the defense for a 15-4 edge. The Pacers extended the lead to 16 on a three-point shot from Evans with 11:27 to play. However, the Bearcats pulled within six just prior to the break.

Leading 60-50, Vanderslice's team embarked on a 10-5 spurt for a 70-55 lead. A thunderous dunk from Jules off a pass from Barmore gave the home team a 90-70 lead with 1:23 to play en route to the 16-point victory.  

The Pacers return to action Saturday in the PBC semifinals against No. 3 Francis Marion in Augusta, Ga. Game-time is slated for 7:30 p.m.