SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts - The American International College men's basketball team dropped a 71-61 Northeast 10 Conference matchup against Pace University on Saturday, December 7.

AIC is now 1-7 overall and 0-2 in the NE10.

Chase Nelson opened the scoring with a three, and Pierce Prendergast knocked one in as well, giving AIC an early 6-2 lead. However, the Setters locked in and scored the next nine points before Coleman Hopson hit from distance to bring AIC within two at 11-9.

Another run by the Setters expanded the visiting side's lead to 10, and that advantage grew to as much as 14 after a three made the score 33-19. AIC finally bounced back, scoring seven in a row to cut into the gap, including a Nelson three. The Setters did score the final field goal of the frame, and led 35-26 after one.

Out of the break, AIC kept it close, shrinking the deficit back to five after a Tony Felder stepback hit, but then Pace went on another run, reextending the lead to 14 with a nine-point run. The lead remained double digits with 5:29 to play, but Aguibou Balde and Nelson hit back-to-back threes, putting AIC within five once more heading into the final media timeout.

Unfortunately, the Yellow Jackets could not finish the comeback. Pace hit a few key shots and held on to win the game 71-61.

Nelson was AIC's leading scorer with 17 points, making five threes in the process; Balde scored 11 and Hopson had 10, while Felder notched a game-best eight assists.

AIC returns to action on Saturday, December 13 at 1:30 against Franklin Pierce University.