AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken women's basketball team notched a 61-41 victory over Francis Marion Wednesday evening.

The Pacers are now 8-5 on the year and 3-2 in league play. The Patriots stand at 5-5 overall and 1-3 against PBC foes.

Head coach Mark Miller's team was led by Alex Canady and Melyk Taouil as each connected for 19 points. Alexis Mack totaled 11 points while Kwajelin Farrar accounted for eight points and a game-high 14 rebounds.

Canady was dominant throughout, tallying eight boards, four assists and four steals. Taouil snagged seven rebounds. Mack registered a game-high six thefts.

USC Aiken led throughout the first half. Madison Williams got things going with a jumper and Taouil pushed the margin to four off a pass from Canady. Leading 4-3, Canady drilled a three-ball on the break before Mack hit a shot in the paint to go up by six, 9-3. Up 11-10, the Pacers netted the next four points to end the frame leading 15-10.

The Pacers extended the lead to nine at the 6:25 mark of the second quarter. With the score at 15-12, Taouil and Farrar hit back-to-back baskets before Canady completed the 6-0 spurt with a pair of charity tosses. Miller's team went into the break leading 23-21.

The Patriots took a 29-28 lead, but USC Aiken embarked on a 13-1 run, securing a 42-30 advantage. During the run, Mack started things off with a free throw. Taouil accounted for a charity toss before hitting a jumper. Farrar netted an old-fashioned three-point play prior to Canady recording a steal and lay-up. Canady converted a shot from distance before Taouil's two free throws gave the home team a 12-point lead.

USC Aiken's strong defense did not allow the visitors to get any closer than 10 the rest of the way.

For the game, USC Aiken hit 25-of-60 from the floor (41.7 percent) and eight-of-12 from the charity stripe (66.7 percent). Miller's squad outscored the Patriots 36-22 in the paint and held a 21-4 advantage on the break.  

The Pacers return to action Saturday when they play at Clayton State at 1:30 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.