The William Peace University men's basketball team defeated USA South Conference opponent N.C. Wesleyan in a thrilling (88-80) game. The first half of the game was an even matchup as the Pacers headed into halftime trailing by 4. John Burwell and Trey Bryant would combine to help the Pacers take a late lead as they went on to win (88-80).

THE BASICS

• Final score: William Peace 88, North Carolina Wesleyan 80
• Records: William Peace (6-8) (4-2), NC Wesleyan (6-9) (2-5)
• Location: Raleigh, NC

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Pacers and Bishops began the game evenly matched with Ricardo Bullock getting the game started for the Bishops with a 3-pointer. Then, the Bishops would go on a 5 point  run to put the Monarchs up (14-7) before John Burwell would end their scoring run with a nicely timed layup. Shortly after the Pacers would begin to close the gap even further before they eventually overtook the lead for the first time with a 3-pointer from Mikal Gaylord (42-41). 
• With 2:45 left in the first half, the Pacers would try hard to maintain the lead, however their efforts would fall just short. The Bishops would battle their way to the rim for free throws and layups. The first half would soon end with the Pacers closely trailing behind the Bishops (48-44).
• The Bishops extended4r their lead early on in the second half with a 3 pointer from Devin Resper (51-44). The Pacers quickly responded with a layup from Mikal Gaylord to show that the Pacers still had fight in them. The Pacers would soon take the lead again with a layup from John Burwell (54-53). From then on the lead would switch between the two teams 10 more times before the Pacers would get a good amount of points ahead of the Bishops (77-71).
• The Pacers would continue to fight and hold their dominance over the bishops. The Pacers continued to find their way into the paint to get layups while also knocking down 3 pointers to extend their lead as much as possible. Tyson Sellers would shake the gym with a smashing dunk for a (83-77) lead . The Pacers would continue to roll as they secured a (88-80) win over N.C. Wesleyan.

PACER TOP PERFORMERS

• Trey Bryant collected a double-double with 12 rebounds and 13 points.
• John Burwell posted 23 points and 4 assists.
• Beau Bryant and John Burwell contributed 3 steals.

FOR THE FOES

• Damon McDowell contributed 23 points.
• Aj Frye put up 21 points and 9 rebounds.

STATS OF THE GAME

• The Pacers shot 55.4% from the field to the Bishop's 42.4%.
• The Pacers shot 37% from behind the arc compared to the Bishop's 33.3%.

NEXT GAME
The Pacers will host Averett University on January 17th. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 PM in the Hermann Athletic Center.
 
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