Steve Pendleton '15 had 15 points and five steals on Sunday.

The Aces needed to play some of their best basketball of the season to beat New Jersey power Atlantic City on Sunday. And for much of the game, they did just that. LM played smart, tough and together and led 36-35 after three quarters of play. But Atlantic City charged late, outscoring the Aces 26-15 in the final frame to pull away for a 61-51 victory.

Asher Barry '15 led the way for LM with a season-high 20 points. Steve Pendleton '15 added 15 points and five steals. LM was doomed by 3-23 shooting from beyond the arc and the inability to get stops late against AC's attacking offense.

The Aces controlled tempo for much of the contest. The first half was played at a deliberate pace, with LM taking an 11-6 first-quarter lead and limiting Atlantic City to a season-low 24 points at halftime. A late second quarter run by AC gave them a five-point lead, but a three by Jule Brown '15 and a scintillating fast break layup by Steve Pendleton '15 before the halftime buzzer evened the score.

It appeared the Aces were poised to seize command in the third, building a five-point lead late with the chance to go up seven on consecutive possessions. But a missed layup and two and-one opportunities for Atlantic City quickly narrowed the gap.

An early turnover and cold shooting spelled trouble for LM in the fourth and Atlantic City seized on their opportunity, slowly pulling away and sending the Aces to a tough, if somewhat hopeful defeat. LM responded to recent poor play with a n encouraging team performance and looks to build off their last non-league test as they finish the league season.