PIKEVILLE, Ky. -- The University of Pikeville men's basketball team, ranked second in the NAIA Top-25 Poll, travels to Kentucky, the top-ranked team in NCAA Div. I, at 7:02 p.m. ET on Sunday night for an exhibition at Rupp Arena.
The game can be watched live on the SEC Network or ESPN3, while a local radio call will be provided by East Kentucky Broadcasting's Z107.5 FM with Andrew Joyce, Joe Kinzer and Jamey Johnson on the call. Dave Neal and Darrin Horn will provide the talent for the SEC Network.
UPIKE is already 1-0 after thumping Grace Bible (Mich.) 100-63 last week, but the long and talented Wildcats will be a whole new challenge. Kentucky returns 12 lettermen from last season's national runner-up team and is predicted to start three players 6-10 or above, as well as 6-6 guards Aaron and Andrew Harrison.
Against Grace Bible, UPIKE didn't start a player over 6-5 and will be without the services of big men James Still and Curtis Moore once again while it waits for academic clearance from the NAIA. For what it lacks in size, the Bears will have to make up with athleticism as guards Kenny Manigault and Macari Brooks have both proven they can play above the rim.
Brooks joined K.K. Simmons as the leading scorers with 22 points in last week's win, while Manigault added 17 points, seven rebounds and four steals.
It's a quick turnaround for UPIKE after taking on the Wildcats as it travels to Knoxville, Tenn., immediately following the game for a 7 p.m. start on Monday at Tennessee.
