ROCKY MOUNT, NC – The William Peace University men's  basketball team saw their season come to an end Thursday afternoon, as the Pacers dropped their opening round game of the Conference Tournament to Covenant College, 87-80.

The Pacers finish the season 11-15 overall after a seventh-place regular season finish in the USA South, while Covenant moves on to play Greensboro College in the Semifinals Friday at 5:00 p.m.

WPU capped a 10-0 run the 7:43 mark for a 30-23 lead, but after starting the game 11-of-21 (52.4%), the Pacers went the final 8:20 of the first half without a field goal (0-of-8) and trailed by seven (45-38) at the break.The Scots were on fire from beyond the arc in first half, going 8-of-14 (57.1%) from deep and 15-of-31 (48.39%) overall from the field.
 
Covenant's lead hovered around double-digits for much of the second half and to as many 14 with 13:22 left to play. WPU was back within six (64-58) by the midway point, but every time the Pacers looked like they might have some momentum, the Scots seemed to have an answer at the other end,

WPU trailed by 11 (76-56) with less than two minutes remaining. The Pacers made one final charge, cutting their deficit to as little as four (84-80) with 15 seconds left, but it was too little too late.

Neither team found much of a rhythm in the second half, which ended up looking more like a free-throw shooting contest than anything. The Scots only made one three-pointer (1-of-13) the rest of the way, but they went 21-of-24 (87.5%) at the stripe in the second half and 28-of-35 (80%) for the game. Covenant also helped their cause on the glass, out-rebounding the Pacers, 49-38.

WPU finished the game 29-of-40 (72.5%) from the line, establishing program records for makes and attempts in a game.They shot 36.1% (22-of-61) from the field and 25.9% (7-of-27) from long distance.

Chris Thomas led the way for the WPU, scoring 18 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists two blocks and a steal. Senior Terry Rogers finished with 16 points, six rebounds, an assist and three steals in his final game as a Pacer. USA South Rookie of the Year Dakota King notched 14 points, five rebounds and an assist.  Freshman standout Sam Johnson also reached double figures with 11 points, five rebounds, an assist and two steals.

Berto Dryden was one of three Scots in double figures, leading all scorers with 22 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Connor Sears flirted with a double-double, adding 15 points and nine boards. Patjo Twagirayezu contributed 10 points, four rebounds and a steal.

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