Braves knock off 19th-ranked Pacers

By Jonathan Bym
Asst. Sports Editor

January 26, 2012

Photo by Mindy Hubbard

Braves senior Marcus Heath goes to the rim in the Braves upset of No. 19 USC Aiken. Heath had a career night, finishing with 23 points in the win.

In front of a packed crowd of 2,247 inside the English E. Jones Center, the UNCP men's basketball defeated 19th-ranked USC Aiken 78-69 in Peach Belt Conference action on Jan. 18.

The Braves claimed the top spot in the PBC East division with the win and gave USC Aiken its first PBC loss of the season. The Braves shot 46 percent from the field and received a big game from senior Marcus Heath as he totaled 23 points in the winning effort.

To close out the game, the Braves hit 15-of-20 free throws to capture the win.

To go along with his 23 points, Heath also led the Braves with six assists. Junior K.J. Cooper totaled 15 points, fellow junior Shamel Brackett had 11 and freshman Ben Jacobs finished with nine of his own.

George Blakeney grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds, as the junior also added seven points in the win.

"I am worn out, and I am sure the players are too," UNCP head coach Ben Miller said.

"I thought it was a good effort by both teams. The defense was very strong and the baskets were tough to come by. We just kept grinding and got a big win. I think both teams were motivated to play this game, and I think both teams really respect each other. It was a great college basketball atmosphere tonight because it is that kind of rivalry," Miller added.