The University of South Carolina Aiken Women’s Basketball Team was ranked 8th in the NCAA Division II standings released on March 8th.
The Pacers entered the Southeast Regional NCAA Division II semifinals with an overall record of 27-6. They faced off against Lander and lost, 85-68.
The Pacers’ Season
This season is considered to be one of the best in school history with a school-record 27 victories. The win over Tusculum marked the first NCAA Tournament victory in USC Aiken women’s basketball history.
The Pacers jumped to a quick start over Lander with a nine-point lead. Slowly, Lander crept back and tied the game at 18-18 with 7 minutes left in the first half. From there, Lander went on a 19-10 run, closing the half leading 37-28. The second half was all about Lander.
They gained a 22-point lead with 11 minutes left in the game. The Pacers tried to close the gap and came within 11 points, but that would be as close as they would get. Most games this season were won or loss by a 12-plus point margin. Head Coach Mike Brandt leads the Pacers and depends on Hannah DeGraffinreed and Kayla Harris.
About The Team
Head Coach Mike Brandt is in his ninth season at the University of South Carolina Aiken. In his role at South Carolina he has won a school-record 15 or more games in each of the last four seasons. The Pacers have claimed 20 or more victories in three of the last four seasons.
Upon the finish of this season, Brandt has won 420 games. Brandt is also a firm believer in the flex offense and helping young people develop themselves in all walks of life.
Junior Hannah DeGraffinreed was named to the Peach Belt Conference All-Conference Second Team. She is leading with 5.9 rebounds per game and averages 11.6 points per game. DeGraffinreed has scored double figures in 19 of the Pacers’ 28 games and broke the single game PBC Tournament record by going a perfect 7 for 7 from the field against Francis Marion.
Freshman Kayla Harris was named to the PBC All-Conference Third Team and Freshman of the Year. She averages 12 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, with an impressive 43.1% from the field. The Jan. 15 game against Clayton State was her best game and was nationally televised. She had 23 points in that game and has had three games with 20-plus points.
About The School
The University of South Carolina Aiken is located in Aiken, SC. USC Aiken was named No.1 Top Public Regional College in the South by US News. The university also has many ways for students to get involved. Students can get involved with organizations, programs, clubs, etc so they can get the most out of their college experience.
This is an excellent way to get to know other students and get a sense of ownership over the school because you would be a direct part of it.
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