Men's Basketball Begins Two-Day Weekend with Defeat to #11 Pace

PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. - Thomas Jefferson University men's basketball (7-3), who is receiving votes in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) poll, took on the #11 nationally ranked and undefeated Pace University (11-0). The Rams had an advantage in the first half with their shooting, leading at the break, but were unable to hold down the Setters as the Rams fell 76-65 in Saturday afternoon non-conference action. 

WHAT HAPPENED 

• Pace got out to an early 10-3 lead over Jefferson with multiple layups and free throws. Ashton Miller hit a three to get the Rams their first points. Justin Hawkins and Sean Fullerton also made their shots form beyond the arc, helping the Rams go 6-of-14 from three in the first half.  

• Farouk Kaba jumper and two Hawkins free throws gave Jefferson the lead for a short bit before the Setters evened it out again. 

• Jeremiah Dorsey nailed his shot from beyond the arc while Hawkins hit two back-to-back three pointers, adding to his team-leading 23 points off 8-of-9 shooting, while adding a layup to have Jefferson go into the break up 28-27 over Pace 

• The Setters began to get control in the second half, going 14-of-28 on the floor while the Rams were 12-of-27 shooting 

• Pace scored the first six points to start the second half. Jefferson put up seven in a row off Miller's layup and three pointer while a Dorsey shot from beyond the arc and Fullerton shot put the Rams ahead 38-33 

• Setters fought back to tie it up. Both teams eventually traded baskets, with Dorsey hitting a shot, a Miller three was made, and Kaba hit one free throw to keep up with Pace 

• The Setters began a nine point run to go up 55-45, which they would never relinquish that lead again 

• Rams continued to fight back, getting as close as seven points, but Pace held on to defeat the Rams 76-65 

TEAM STATS 
FG: 21-of-54 (38.9%) 
3PT: 12-of-30 (40.0%) 
FT: 11-of-14 (78.6%) 

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE 
Justin Hawkins: 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting (5-5 3PT), 4 rebounds, 4 assists 
Ashton Miller: 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting (4-8 3PT), 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks 
Sean Fullerton: 9 points on 3-of-9 shooting (2-5 3PT), 2 steals 
Jeremiah Dorsey: 7 points on 3-of-7 shooting (1-3 3PT), 4 steals, 3 assists 

UP NEXT 
Rams will now play their second game this weekend tomorrow as they travel on the road to take on Bloomsburg University on Sunday, December 15 at 3 p.m.