FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. – The USCA men's basketball team dropped an 81-69 decision at Emmanuel Wednesday afternoon.
The Pacers are now 7-5 on the season.
Head coach
Mark Vanderslice's team was led by
Caleb Byrd's 23-point, four-rebound effort.
Jonah Lawrence added 19 points, eight boards and four steals.
Josiah Harding netted seven markers and grabbed six rebounds.
William Vasser Jr., and
Montraivis White posted six points apiece.
McCaskill Rivers notched five points while
Cam Perkins hit a three-point bucket.
Chedlet Delva grabbed six rebounds while
Deandre Smart pulled down three rebounds.
Down 14-2, Byrd canned a three-ball off a pass from Vasser Jr. Facing a 22-10 deficit, Byrd and Lawrence made lay-ups, bringing the squad within eight, 22-14. Perkins nailed a three-point shot while Harding's floater pulled the visitors within three, 22-19. Trailing 35-29, Harding hit three free throws before the Lions scored on a lay-up just before halftime for a 37-32 lead.
Emmanuel held a 51-37 margin before Perkins found Byrd for a step-back jumper. Byrd converted an old-fashioned three-point play at the 12:12 mark, making it 51-43. Moments later, Vasser Jr.'s three-point bucket stopped a 7-0 run by the Lions. Baskets from Byrd and Lawrence trimmed the deficit to nine, 62-53, at the 8:16 mark.
Lawrence converted a twisting lay-up and nailed the free throw at the 6:26 mark. Two more charity tosses by Lawrence 46 seconds later pulled the Pacers within seven, 65-58. Another basket by Lawrence made it a five-point contest, 68-63. However, that was as close as the team could get.
For the game, USCA hit 22-of-56 from the floor, including nine-of-31 from downtown. The team made 16-of-24 free throws. The Pacers held a 31-29 edge on the glass, including a 9-7 margin on the offensive side. The Pacers dished out 10 assists and recorded seven steals. The team forced 11 turnovers and netted 17 points off the miscues. USCA scored 20 points in the paint.
The Pacers return to action Saturday when they travel to Lander for a 3:30 p.m., contest. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.
