GREENVILLE, Tenn. – The University of South Carolina Aiken men's basketball team lost a 94-85 contest at Tusculum in the season opener Friday evening.
Tyler Johnson led the way with 23 points while
Tehree Horn notched 19 markers.
Daniel Parrish and
Karon Boyd added 12 and 11, respectively.
Johnson canned seven-of-13 from the floor while Horn buried seven-of-10 from the field, including three-of-six from downtown.
Johnson led the squad with eight rebounds while Boyd added seven boards. Boyd's six assists also topped the squad. Parrish distributed five assists in the loss. Johnson also registered three steals in 31 minutes of action.
Tied at 6-6, Boyd hit a shot in the paint. Thirty seconds later, he connected a charity toss for a three-point edge. Boyd nailed a three-ball, extending the margin to six. Leading 12-8,
Demitrios Dixon nailed a three-ball on the break off a pass from Parrish. With 11:43 to go in the half, Parrish hit a jumper for a nine-point margin.
The Pioneers embarked on a 20-3 run that spanned 7:33 for a 28-20 advantage. Johnson trimmed the deficit after hitting two free throws with just under four minutes to go in the period. Tusculum managed to lead by 13 (38-25) and maintained a 42-30 lead at the break.
Head coach
Mark Vanderslice's team caught fire at the start of the second half. Johnson connected on a three-ball 26 seconds into the period.
Jameel Rideout's bucket off an assist from Horn made it 2-36. Horn and Deshawn Thomas each hit shots, pulling the visitors within two at 42-40. Trailing 44-40, Horn scored five straight points in a 30-second span for a 45-44 lead.
The teams traded baskets and a lay-up from Johnson gave the Pacers a 49-48 edge with 13:47 to go in regulation. However, it marked the last time USC Aiken would hold the advantage.
The Pacers return to action Saturday when they take on No. 6 Lincoln Memorial in Greenville, Tenn. At 2 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.
