AUGUSTA, Ga. – Elias Pálsson scored a game-high 23 points, but Augusta men's basketball came up short Wednesday night, falling 75–71 to USC Aiken in a Peach Belt Conference rivalry matchup at George A. Christenberry Fieldhouse.

Augusta trailed 30–26 at halftime before matching USC Aiken point-for-point in the second half, scoring 45 points after the break. The Jaguars cut into the deficit multiple times down the stretch and stayed within one possession in the final minute.

Pálsson knocked down four three-pointers and added three assists to lead Augusta. Matias Zanotto provided a lift off the bench with 13 points, while Rodney Scott finished with 11 points and five steals. Luis Nonfon recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Evan Joyner added eight points with four assists.

USC Aiken was led by Mccaskill Rivers with 25 points and Jonah Lawrence with 23. The Pacers went 33-for-35 at the free throw line, including 26 made free throws in the second half.

The game was played in front of a crowd of nearly 2,000 fans on Rivalry Night at Christenberry Fieldhouse.

Augusta returns to the road on Wednesday, Jan. 21, traveling to North Georgia for a Peach Belt Conference matchup before coming back home on Wednesday, Jan. 28, to host USC Beaufort.