AIKEN, S.C. - The University of South Carolina Aiken women's basketball lost to the Columbus State Cougars Wednesday evening, 90-80.

The Pacers are now 12-9 on the season, including 6-5 in league play. The Cougars climb to 12-7 on the year and 6-5 against PBC teams.

Head coach Mark Miller's team was led by Emily Trushel's 24 points on nine-of-19 shooting to include four-of-nine from downtown. She was a perfect two-for-two from the charity stripe in 37 minutes of play.

Jentri Worley accounted for 16 points and nine rebounds. Breanna Gustave added nine points to the team's effort on four-of-nine shooting. Gustave also pulled down six boards – all of which were on the defensive side.

USC Aiken poured in 23 points in the first frame, marking one of the top-10 efforts in the first frame in school history. The Pacers were led in the first quarter by Emily Trushel's 10 points en route to a 23-15 lead.

The Pacers climbed to a five-point lead at the 5:46 mark on a three-pointer by Delaney Trushel. Worley extended the lead to seven with a jumper with 3:35 left on the on the clock. A lay up 31-seconds later by Emily Trushel grew the lead by nine. That lead grew to 11 after two free throws by Kelsie Woodard. However, the visitors pulled within eight at the end of the first stanza.

The Cougars opened the second quarter with a 9-0 run to put them up by one at the 7:23 mark. A minute later, a free throw by Delaney Trushel tied the game. The visitors scored 17 seconds later and didn't relinquish the lead, taking a 41-32 advantage into halftime.

After the half, Columbus State struck first for an 11-point margin. The Pacers drew within six points after a jumper by Hailey Unger and a three pointer by Worley. The Pacers continued to chip into the Cougars' lead over the rest of the quarter, drawing within four twice.

The Pacers' comeback attempt propelled the team within one on a jumper from Gustave with 6:39 left. Emily Trushel tied the score for the fourth time with a three-point shot at 5:46 mark, 70-70. The Pacers took the lead 24-seconds later on a jumper by Gustave. The Cougars regained the advantage at the 3:39 mark and never relinquished it.

For the game, USC Aiken hit 30-of-71 (42.3 percent) from the floor, including eight-of-22 (36.4 percent) from beyond the arc. The Pacers were 12-of-15 (80 percent) at the free throw line. USC Aiken out-rebounded the visitors 44-41. The Pacers scored 16 points off turnovers and outscored the Cougars bench 23-19.

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