AIKEN, S.C. – USC Aiken shot 40.3 percent from the field and picked up 33 points from its bench on the way to a 75-72 victory over the UNC Pembroke men's basketball team on Friday evening inside the Convocation Center. 

The Braves (0-1) have now lost the last two meetings against USC Aiken and fall to 13-16 when playing in Aiken. The Pacers (1-0) had four players score in double-figures during Friday's victory. 
 

THE BASICS

SCORE: USC Aiken 75, UNC Pembroke 72 RECORDS: UNC Pembroke 0-1; USC Aiken 1-0 LOCATION: Aiken, S.C. (Convocation Center)

HOW IT HAPPENED

1ST HALF

The first half began with UNCP taking an early lead as Moe Bangura scored a jumper within the first 12 seconds. Despite this start, USC Aiken quickly responded, with Deandre Smart tying the game at 2-2 at the 18:54 mark. Javonte Waverly's 3-pointer briefly put UNCP ahead, but USCA's Caleb Byrd scored consecutively, helping the Pacers to a 29-16 advantage midway through the half. The Pacers shot 50 percent from the field and limited the Braves to 29.4 percent shooting in the opening period, and would take a 39-22 lead with just under two minutes left with a triple from William Vasser Jr. The hosts held a 45-27 advantage as the teams headed to the locker room wtih another three from Vasser.

2ND HALF

UNCP rallied in the second half, cutting into USCA's lead with a 45-point effort. Joe'l Pettiford initiated the surge with a dunk at 19:34, assisted by Dallas Whitney. Whitney was active throughout, contributing both offensively and defensively with a block and a defensive rebound. Javonte Waverly's layup and subsequent free throw at 17:09 brought UNCP closer, narrowing the deficit to 38-45. Despite the strong performance from the Braves, the Pacers maintained their lead with key plays, including a fast-break layup by Jonah Lawrence at 5:40, helping secure a 75-72 victory. UNCP got the ball back with 14 seconds left on the clock but were unable to get a shot off to complete the comeback.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

+ Newcomer Moe Bangura flirted with a triple-double with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and seven blocks. Bangura went 7-for-12 from the field in 33 minutes.  + Javonte Waverly also turned in 16 points on a 7-for-19 shooting performance. Waverly pulled down three defensive rebounds, logged one assist and one block. + JP Ricks and Joe'l Pettiford both added nine points. Pettiford pulled down seven boards, while Ricks dished out nine assists.

NOTABLES

+ UNC Pembroke shot 42.4 percent from the field, while USC Aiken shot 40.3 percent from the floor. + UNCP tallied 42 points in the paint while USCA logged 38 points from inside.  + USC Aiken held an 18-point lead heading into halftime.  + The Braves outscored the Pacers 45-30 in the second half.

UP NEXT

The Braves will make their home debut on Sunday when they host former Peach Belt Conference foe Lander. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court. Tickets can be purchased at UNCPBraves.com/Tickets.

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BACK THE BRAVES

Fans can help support the UNC Pembroke Men's Basketball program by joining the Braves Club. To find out more information about the Braves Club, visit UNCPBraves.com/BravesClub or email braves.club@uncp.edu.