AIKEN, S.C. | Shaquan Jules scored 23 points to lead the University of South Carolina-Aiken past Young Harris College 86-82 in a Peach Belt Conference men's basketball game Saturday (Feb. 15) afternoon at the Convocation Centrer.

The Pacers improved to 17-9 overall and to 13-3 in the Peach Belt, while the Mountain Lions slipped to 7-17 and 5-11. Young Harris stays on the road for a 7:30 p.m. PBC game Wednesday (Feb. 19) against Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia.

USC Aiken led 51-42 at the half and took its largest lead of the game - 11 points (53-42) - after a Robert Hill dunk 19 seconds into the second half. Young Harris behind three consecutive three-pointers - Ryle Owens bookended a long-distance shot from Kristian Collins - used a 9-2 run to get within three points (59-56) with 14:30 to play.

A steal and layup by Brian Harper with 8:45 left got the Mountain Lions within a bucket at 68-66. Harper had five steals as the Mountain Lions converted 24 Pacer turnovers into 30 points. However, USC Aiken pushed is lead back to eight points (79-71) after a Jules dunk with 3:53 to go.

Young Harris, which only shot 34.3 percent (12-of-35) in the second half, got as close as three points (85-82) after Seth McCoy hit two free throws with six seconds to play.

Faison Brock and Damontez Oliver each added 14 points for the Pacers, while Brock grabbed 14 rebounds. 

Harper led the Mountain Lions with 15 points and six assists, while Owens and McCoy tossed in 14 points. Jonathan King tallied 12 points, while Collins finished with 10.