RALEIGH, NC - The William Peace men's basketball team fought valiantly against 11th-ranked Guilford in an 80-62 defeat on Wednesday at the Hermann Athletic Center.

The Pacers (3-4 overall) led much of the first half in the non-conference matchup. Tyler Parton swished a three-pointer and Beau Bryant nailed two free throws for a 32-28 lead with under seven minutes left in the half. 

The Quakers (5-0 overall) responded with a 32-2 run between the first and second halves to snatch momentum from the Pacers. The visitors' lead was as high as 27, but the Pacers never quit. They ended the contest with a flourish, outscoring Guilford 18-9 for the final margin.

Despite the loss, the Pacers showed fight which will help them in USA South Atlantic Conference play and the postseason. Guilford is the second of three nationally ranked teams the Pacers will see this season. Second-ranked Hampden-Sydney is coming to the Hermann Athletic Center on Dec. 12.

"This is why we play non-conference teams like Guilford because it challenges and prepares the team for the NCAA tournament," Pacers Head Coach Claude Shields said.

Bryant was the Pacers' top scorer with 16 points. He also dished out a game-high five assists. Parton added 14 points on 4 of 6 three-point shooting and Timothy Pettiford contributed seven points, five rebounds and three steals. Shawn Jones had two blocks for the Pacers, who outscored Guilford 26-11 in bench points.

Tyler Dearman, who keyed Guilford's game-deciding run, scored a game-high 35 points. The Quakers outscored the Pacers in the paint 38-14.

"When you're playing a team as good as Guilford it shows how important it is to be able to play for 40 minutes," Shields said. "We played well for 24 minutes but we would hit stretches where we couldn't score or make the stops we needed."

The Pacers will take on another challenging opponent on Friday, Dec. 1. They visit Division I UNC Greensboro in an exhibition game at 7 p.m. in Greensboro, N.C.

William Peace will be battle tested once the season is in full swing.

THE BASICS

• Final score:

  • William Peace University 62, Guilford College 80

• Record: William Peace University 3-4, Guilford 5-0

• Location: Raleigh, NC
  
   

PACERS' TOP PERFORMERS

• Beau Bryant led the Pacers with 16 points, while Tyler Parton  followed with 14 points. 

• Timothy Pettiford collected three steals for the Pacers and Beau Bryant followed with two.

• Shawn Jones  posted two blocks.

• Timothy Pettiford had five rebounds, while Beau Bryant  grabbed four.
   

FOR THE OPPONENT

• Tyler Dearman led the Quakers with 35 points.
  
   

NEXT GAME

The Pacers will play Division I UNC Greensboro in an exhibition game on Friday, Dec. 1st, in Greensboro, N.C. Tip-off is 7 p.m.

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.