AIKEN, S.C. – The USCA women's basketball team recorded a 67-59 win over Flagler Wednesday evening.
The Pacers are now 5-15 on the season, including 2-8 in PBC play.
Head coach
Mark Miller's team was led by
Riley Simmons' 23-point, four-rebound effort.
Rhiannon Saller totaled 14 points and two blocks.
Serena Baker and
Paris Webster added nine points apiece while
Sami Bardonaro had five points and four assists.
Kendall Parker totaled four points and three assists while
Destiny Harman contributed three points and four boards.
Trailing 5-2 in the early going, Simmons hit a jumper at the 5:15 mark and followed it up with a three-point basket just 22 seconds later. USCA held a 7-6 advantage before Simmons nailed another shot. With 27 seconds left in the first quarter,
Destiny Harman extended the advantage to 12-6.
The Saints tied the contest at 14-14 and again at 16-16 with 6:07 to go in the second quarter. Miller's team went on a spurt, started by a lay-up from Simmons. A jumper by Saller pushed the score to 20-16 before Simmons made a lay-up. With 1:52 to play, Webster netted an inside shot for a seven-point cushion. The Pacers maintained a 28-21 lead at the break.
Miller's team built a 13-point edge at 34-21 after two baskets by Saller and one from Simmons. However, the Saints made it 38-37 before the Pacers answered with a basket from Simmons. Parker converted a lay-up and Bardonaro canned a three-ball, pushing the margin to eight, 45-37.
The visitors made it a 47-45 game at the 8:13 mark, but Baker hit a pair of free throws. Leading 51-49, Webster converted a three-point play. The Pacers held a 60-56 advantage with 1:44 to go. Bardonaro found Saller for a jumper. Up 62-57, Bardonaro hit two free throws and Miller's team never let the visitors closer than six in the final 30 seconds.
For the game USCA hit 23-of-55 (41.8 percent) from the floor. The squad buried 17-of-21 (81.0 percent) from the charity stripe. The Pacers dished out 13 assists and forced 18 turnovers. USCA controlled the paint, outscoring the Saints 36-24.
The Pacers return to action Saturday, Feb. 8, when they play at Augusta at 5:30 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.
