Pacers' woes at line concern coach

While he was pleased with the outcome of USC Aiken's overtime win over Life, coach Vince Alexander was not happy with a certain aspect of the game.

Despite shooting 12 for 13 from the free-throw line in the first half, the Pacers finished the game at 69 percent from the foul stripe (29 of 42). USC Aiken shot 2 for 7 from the line in overtime but pulled the game out on Sterling Council 's 17-foot buzzer-beater.

"My greatest disappointment coming out of this game was our free-throw shooting," Alexander said. "Our poor free-throw shooting caused us to play a closer game.

"We're going to work on it. I've had teams that do this, start out real slow on the free-throw line. I don't want to yell at them or run them. I think that just puts more pressure on them. Just take your time and make free throws."

USC Aiken shot 72 percent from the line last season, ranking third in the Peach Belt.

ALL ABOARD: Augusta State is offering a ride aboard the Dip Trip, a bus trip to the 7:30 p.m. Saturday game at Benedict in Columbia. Cost is $7. For anyone interested, call Gina Thurman at (706) 667-4997.

The Jaguars face a Benedict team that finished last season ranked No. 14 in the nation. The Tigers lost in the first round of the Division II Tournament on a buzzer-beater, finishing 24-6.

FOR OPENERS: Paine begins its season at 3 p.m. Saturday at Claflin. The Lions are looking to turn around last season's 8-21 campaign.

CANDY LAND: While Peach Belt Conference play begins in December, teams are working through their nonconference schedule.

Some teams play tough opponents to test themselves.

Others, like Francis Marion, load up on cupcakes.

The Patriots are 3-0 after easily defeating Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras and Carver Bible.

Francis Marion has two games left against Newport News Apprentice School (a team it beat by 40 last season), Southern Wesleyan and Allen.

While Francis Marion will get its belly full with sweet wins, the Patriots have to figure out a way to make the early success translate into Peach Belt progress. Last season, the Patriots won their first eight games before finishing 16-12.

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.