MONTGOMERY, AL – The William Peace University men's basketball team trailed Huntingdon by 15 points less than midway through the first half, but the Pacers weathered the storm and outscored the Hawks by 23 the rest of the way on their way to a 68-60 win.

Chris Thomas led WPU with a game high 22 points, his fourth 20-point game of the season, to go with eight rebounds and a career high three blocks. Sam Johnson was the only other Pacer in double-figures, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, an assist and three steals.

Several other Pacers contributed to the cause. Dakota King added eight points, seven rebounds and an assist. Jalen Vince only scored three points but also contributed six boards, six assists and a career high four steals. Ryan Emfinger chipped in with four points, a team leading 11 rebounds, three assists and a steal. Terry Rogers also gave the Pacers a spark off the bench with six points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.

WPU improves to 9-12 overall with a 4-6 record in the USA South, which currently ranks them eighth in the league standings. The top eight teams (out of 11) qualify for the conference tournament, which will be hosted by the top seeded team starting February 25. Huntingdon's hopes of cracking the top eight have come and gone. They fall to 8-12 with a 1-8 mark in conference play.  

The Pacers were down 15 (25-10) less than seven minutes into the game, but the tide turned starting with a Sam Johnson three-pointer at the 12:07 mark. WPU closed out the first half on a 23-11 run and went into the locker room down three (38-35).

On the other side of the break, Johnson got things started once again with another triple that tied the game at 38. Jalen Vince found Kori Anderson under the basket on the Pacers' ensuing possession for their first lead of the game and they never trailed again.

Raheem Berry and Andre Ashley finished in double-figures for Huntingdon.  Berry registered 13 points, four rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal. Ashley had 12 points, seven boards, two assists and a steal. 

The Pacers turn around on short rest Sunday afternoon, returning to the Eastern Time Zone for a 3:00 p.m. game against LaGrange College (14-6, 5-4 USAS).

Video Coverage and Live Stats will be available for the contest.

For the latest news and updates from William Peace University Athletics, please visit: http://gopeacepacers.com/.