Categories: College University Athletics

USC Aiken Men’s Basketball Falls to Lander in Opener

USC Aiken battles Lander in a Peach Belt Conference game.

News Summary

In their Peach Belt Conference opener, USC Aiken men’s basketball team was defeated by Lander with a score of 94-84. Despite a strong performance from Davion Cunningham, who scored a season-high 31 points, the Pacers struggled with shooting efficiency and allowed Lander to take control late in the game. This loss sets USC Aiken’s record at 5-3 overall and 0-1 in conference action, as they prepare to face Fayetteville State next.

USC Aiken Men’s Basketball Stumbles in Conference Opener Against Lander

In a thrilling Peach Belt Conference matchup on Saturday afternoon, December 30, 2024, the USC Aiken men’s basketball team faced off against Lander, falling short with a score of 94-84. This loss marks the beginning of conference play for the Pacers, who now hold a season record of 5-3 overall and 0-1 in Peach Belt Conference action.

A Game of Tight Leads and Tension

The game kicked off with a nail-biting start, as both teams exchanged leads. USC Aiken initially trailed at 5-3 before quickly taking control to lead 10-5. Fans surely enjoyed the back-and-forth nature of the contest, with both teams showing resilience and determination. At one point, the game was tied at 59-59 before Lander launched into a strong response, executing a 13-1 run that would be pivotal in sealing the Pacers’ fate.

Star Performers Shine Bright

Despite the loss, USC Aiken showcased some impressive individual performances. Davion Cunningham had a standout game, pouring in a season-high 31 points and shooting an impressive 13 of 21 from the field. His contributions didn’t stop there; he also grabbed seven rebounds, dished out three assists, and made three steals, proving to be a crucial player on both ends of the court. Right behind him was Rhyjon Blackwell, who added 21 points to the score, demonstrating skill and impact.

Other notable contributions came from Jalen McCoy, who scored nine points and snatched six rebounds, while Caleb Byrd chipped in with seven points and Rafael Rubel managed five points along with six rebounds. The entire team rallied, showing teamwork and determination.

Statistics Point to Missed Opportunities

USC Aiken’s shooting stats reflected the tough battle on the court. They converted 44.3 percent of their shots from the floor but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 30.3 percent of their three-point attempts. The Pacers made 31 out of 70 field goals, which could have been a determining factor in the game. However, they did manage to control the rebounds, pulling down a solid 35 boards, including 15 offensive rebounds, allowing them to create second-chance opportunities.

Defensively, the Pacers forced Lander into 13 turnovers, which they capitalized on by scoring 16 points off those mistakes. Additionally, USC Aiken netted 16 second-chance points, showing their tenacity in the battle for rebounds.

Looking Ahead

As the USC Aiken men’s basketball team looks to shake off this opening conference setback, their next challenge lies just around the corner. They are scheduled to face Fayetteville State on Saturday, December 14, and will be eager to bounce back and put their best foot forward in the upcoming games.

Meanwhile, it wasn’t just the men on the court having a tough time against Lander. The USC Aiken women’s basketball team also faced defeat in the same day, falling with a score of 76-51. This setback leaves them with a record of 3-5 overall and 0-1 in Peach Belt Conference play as well. Noteworthy performances came from Kendall Parker and Paris Webster, who scored 11 and 10 points respectively.

With both teams now looking to regroup and recalibrate, fans are hopeful that the Pacers will rally for a stronger performance in the next matchups.