Staff report

AIKEN, S.C. — USC Aiken beat Catawba 81-79 on Sunday in a marquee non-conference matchup in front of 683 fans at the Convocation Center.

Catawba (1-1) led by four early, but trailed by a handful points almost all night.

Catawba’s last points came on a bucket by Jashaun Hawkins with a minute to go. That shot cut Catawba’s deficit to 80-79.

The Indians had their chances down the stretch. Kris Robinson fired a 3-pointer for the win with five seconds left, but missed and Jalen McCoy secured the rebound for the Pacers (2-0), who are coached by West Rowan grad Mark Vanderslice.

Catawba shot 46 percent, including a respectable 9-for-28 on 3-pointers.

USC Aiken only took nine 3s, but was able to get the ball in the paint. USC Aiken survived dismal 16-for-32 foul shooting, The Pacers shot better from the field (53.4 percent) than from the foul line.

Robinson scored 19 to lead the Indians. Hawkins scored 17. Nick Walker had 12 points and nine rebounds.

McCoy, who had 34 on opening night, was held to 18 by the Indians.

Catawba        38    41     — 79

USC Aiken    41      40   — 81

Catawba scoring — Robinson 19, Hawkins 17, Walke 12, White 7, McDuffie 6, Athie 4, Tinsley 4, Jones 4, Banks 4, Tucker 2.