AIKEN, S.C. – The UNCP Braves continued their PBC road streak-breaking efforts on Wednesday when they halted a seven-game losing streak to USC Aiken and topped the #13 Pacers, 78-72, at the Convocation Center in Aiken, S.C.

The Braves (9-3, 2-2 PBC) also snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Pacers (9-3, 3-2 PBC) on their home court after having not won there since Feb. 13, 2002. The Braves snapped a 14-game road losing streak to Lander at Horne Arena in Greenwood, S.C. back on Nov. 23, the Braves first conference-opening road victory in a decade.

The Pacers used a +7 rebounding advantage in the first half to take a 32-27 lead into halftime despite a shooting percentage of 30.6 percent compared to 43.8 percent by UNCP. The Braves would regain the lead for the last time at the 9:23 mark of the second half, and they would not relinquish it in earning their first victory over a nationally-ranked opponent in more than a decade.

The Braves were led by the sophomore trio of K.J. Cooper, Shahmel Brackett and George Blakeney, who combined for 43 of UNCP's point total, led by Cooper's 17 on 8-of-11 shooting from the field. Junior Cody Hughes netted 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the floor, including 2-of-4 from downtown, and finished second on the squad with six rebounds.

UNCP tied in the rebounding total for the first time this season after having won the battle of the boards in the 11 prior contests. They entered Wednesday's matchup with the second-best rebounding margin (+13.6) in the nation.

The Pacers were led by Byron Faison's 20 points on 6-of-14 shooting in 32 minutes of action. Chase Holmes and Michael Technow rounded out the list of Pacers in double figures with 11 and 14 points, respectively.

The Braves will have a week off before hosting the Lander Bearcats on Jan. 12 at the English E. Jones Center in Pembroke. Tip-off will follow the conclusion of the women's basketball matchup between the two schools that starts at 5:30 p.m.