After leading USC Aiken to its first Peach Belt Conference regular-season title in 15 years, Vince Alexander was named the league's Coach of the Year on Tuesday afternoon.

Alexander, in his third year, helped guide his team from a worst-to-first season. The Pacers -- ranked fifth in Division II -- were 9-22 last season with a 3-13 conference mark. Alexander guided USC Aiken (25-2) to a remarkable 16-win turnaround.

Also, the 25 wins set a school record. The Pacers eclipsed a 24-11 mark set by the 1980-81 squad.

"I thank God and my coaching staff and my players," Alexander said. "They just made things possible."

USC Aiken's men recorded their first winning season since 2000-01. The Pacers, currently No. 2 in the South Atlantic Region. also are assured of their first Division II Tournament berth in 10 years.

USC Aiken is undefeated (13-0) at home this season. The Pacers, who play host to this week's conference tournament, will face either No. 8 seed Francis Marion or No. 9 seed Lander at 7 p.m. Thursday in the quarterfinals.