Raleigh,NC-- The Pacers would return to the Hermann Athletic Center on Saturday afternoon as they would face off against the Marlins of Virginia Wesleyan. This would mark the first time the Pacers played with fans in attendance since February, 2020.The game would have a fast paced start. Both teams would shoot over 60% in the first half of action.

THE BASICS

• Final score: William Peace 79, Virginia Wesleyan 85
• Records: William Peace (1-2), Virginia Wesleyan (3-2)
• Location: Raleigh, NC (Hermann Athletic Center)

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The first half would start off as a back-and-forth contest, with a drive to the net by Tyler Parton giving WPU a 6-5 lead. The Marlins would regain the lead with a few back-to-back stops to lead 10-6. A few turnovers from the Pacers would allow the Marlins to take a 20-11 lead before a layup from Donolly Tyrell Jr. would draw a foul, allowing him to cut the lead to 20-15. Another drive under the net from Donolly Tyrell Jr. would bring the score to 29-23 as the Pacers battled back, with a layup from Beau Bryant putting them within 4 as they trailed 34-30. A shot from behind the arc by Rashod Rouse would cut down the Marlins' lead to 39-36, but a late run would put them back up 48-38 heading into halftime.
• The Marlins would get on the board early in the second half, but a shot from behind the arc by Garrett Phillips would keep the Pacers in striking distance as they trailed 57-46. Smith Gupton would add two as the Pacers chipped away at the lead, trailing 64-54. A drive in the paint by Isaiah Everette-Lewis would bring them within 7, with a 3-pointer from Garrett Phillips closing the Marlins' lead down to just 66-63. A few good stops from the Marlins would put them up 75-66. Isaiah Everette-Lewis would get sent to the foul line for three, going 3-3 to bring the score to 81-75 as the Pacers battled in the final minute of play. However, the Marlins would take advantage of some final shots from the foul line to come away with an 85-79 win.

PACER TOP PERFORMERS

• Donolly Tyrell Jr. and Beau Bryant would each finish with a double-double. Tyrell Jr. would finish with 16 points and 14 boards. Bryant would add 15 points to go along with 11 rebounds.
• Isaiah Everette-Lewis was one of 4 Pacers in double digits as he contributed 13 points on 5 of 9 shooting.

FOR THE FOES

• Tim Fisher finished with a game high 25 points on 10 of 14 shooting
• Tyree Golston would add 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists

STATS OF THE GAME

• The Pacers out-rebounded the Marlin's (37-23).
• Both teams would shoot over 50% in the contest. Pacers- 52.6% to the Marlins 52.5.
• The Pacers turned the ball over 17 times, the Marlins would take full advantage of this as they scored 19 points off turnovers.

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Pacers will continue their home stint as they host the Ferrum Panthers on Tuesday evening at the Hermann Athletic Center at 7PM.

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.