AIKEN, S.C. – Nationally-ranked USC Aiken used an impressive defense to shut down UNCP in shooting, rebounding, and intensity as the Lady Pacers led the entire game in taking a 30-point victory over the visiting Lady Braves, 68-38, in the Peach Belt Conference matchup on Wednesday evening in the Convocation Center.

The Lady Braves (5-7, 1-3 PBC) were held to their lowest point total since the 2006-07 season as the No. 22 Lady Pacers (13-2, 5-0 PBC) took charge. Senior JaToya Kemp, who leads the Black and Gold scoring, was immobilized as she was scoreless at the half and only managed to score one point by the final buzzer. USC Aiken had more than doubled up UNCP's offensive output by grabbing a 32-point lead, 53-21, with 12:19 left to play, but stretched its lead out to a game-best 35 points four minutes later.

USC Aiken began its crusade within the first minute of action until DayDay Ray put UNCP on the board with her jumper at the 17:04 mark. The lead increased for the Lady Pacers as the first half progressed and the hosts used a 22-8 run to hold a 21-point advantage at the half.

The second half cultivated a greater expansion of the lead as USC Aiken dominated the Lady Braves, extending and holding a 28-point lead or greater in the final 13 minutes of the game. Kayla Harris registered a double-double with a game-high 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Lady Pacers, while Daniela Tarailo and Nakia Pinkney each tallied 14 points apiece. Hannah DeGraffinreed and Tarailo each collected seven rebounds while Mia Antoine recorded four assists. The bench players contributed 58.8 percent (40-of-68) of the points scored, with the Pacers also attaining 20 points off UNCP turnovers.

Ray gathered a team-best 10 points as she was the only Lady Brave to gather double-digit scoring. Kemp pulled down a six rebounds, tallied three steals and collected one block in her 22 minutes of action. Illya Hunt, Domonique Washington, and Talena Faison each registered a team-best three assists. The Lady Braves shot 29.5 percent (12-of-44) from the field and 26.3 percent (5-19) from the 3-point line and were out-rebounded 40-23.

"We had a lack of focus and they played aggressive which we couldn't handle," said UNCP head coach John Haskins. "USC Aiken played a physical game and we couldn't keep up with the intensity - mentally or physically - which cost us the game."

UNCP returns to the English E. Jones Center on Wednesday for a Peach Belt Conference match-up against Lander (14-0, 4-0 PBC). Tip off has been set for 5:30 p.m. with the UNCP men battling the Bearcats at 7:30 p.m. Admission prices are $6 for adults and $2 for children 18 years of age and younger. UNCP students are admitted free with a valid Braves Card.