Lynchburg, VA -- The William Peace University men's basketball team dropped a close game to Randolph College, 71-72, on Monday, December 18.

In the first half, the Wildcats jumped out to an early lead after they converted a pair of free throws. Paul Dunlap would answer right back from behind the arc. The two teams would trade a pair of baskets bringing the game to 10-10 with 15:40 remaining in the 1st half. Randolph College would then go on an 11-0 run, making the score 21-10 with 11:40 left in the half.

Smith Gupton, Tre Mclean, and Tyson Sellers would all hit timely baskets, keeping the Pacers in the game.The Wildcats, however, would continue to add points, led by 16 first half points from Sammy Hooper, and would lead the Pacers 38-25 with 2:38 left in the first half. A Trey Bryant free throw and a Camden Ferguson three-pointer right before half time would bring the Pacers within 9 heading into the break.

At the start of the second half the Pacers and the Wildcats would continue to trade baskets. With 11:48 remaining in the game a Mikal Gaylord layup would bring the Pacers within four. Randolph would again answer right back with a pair of baskets extending their lead to 56-47 and would force a WPU timeout with 10 minutes remaining. Tyson Sellers would add 4 of his 17 points in the second half with back to back jumpers right after the timeout. Randolph again extended their lead in the winding minutes of the game before the Pacers fought back with a three from Camden Ferguson and a pair of free throws from Tyson Sellers. With 1:21 remaining and the Pacers down by 6, Sam Arnold would hit a shot from behind the arc bringing the Pacers within three. After a pair of free throws from the Wildcats, with under 20 seconds remaining, Mikal Gaylord would keep the Pacer's hope alive with a layup with five seconds left. The Pacers trailing by three, would foul immediately sending Randolph back to the line. Sammy Hooper would go one for two from the line for the Wildcats. The inbound would ensue and Mikal Gaylord would hit a running 3 as time expired and appeared to draw a foul. However there was no call and the game would end.

 

THE BREAK DOWN

• Tyson Sellers led the Pacers, recording a double-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists.

• Trey Bryant has a game high 16 rebounds to go along with 7 points and 3 blocks.

• The Pacers struggled with turnovers and finished the game with 23.

FOR THE FOES

• Sammy Hooper scored a game high 29 points to go along with 10 boards.

• Colton Lee and Brian Smith had 9 points a piece for the Wildcats.

• The Wildcats shot 35% from the field.

 

WHAT'S NEXT

The Pacers (2-6) will now have close to 2 weeks off for the holidays and will return to action on December 31, where they will matchup against USA South newcomers, the Pfeiffer Falcons (5-0). Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. in Misenheimer, NC.

For the latest news and updates from William Peace University Athletics, please visit: gopeacepacers.com, Facebook, or follow the Pacers on Instagram and Twitter at @gopeacepacers.