Box Score PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The Golden Bears of WVU Tech scored four straight points to break open a 70-all tie and was content to trade points in the closing minute of an 82-78 win over the University of Pikeville Saturday afternoon.
 
After senior Chris McHenry sank a jumper from atop the three-point stripe to tie the game at 70, Tech got a pair of free throws from junior David Rawlinson and a tipin by senior Josh Procter to take a 74-70 lead with 1:00 to play.
 
The tosses by Rawlinson were the first of six straight he would make in the final two minutes of play.
 
The Bears scored on putbacks, primarily, while the Golden Bears hit free throws as the game ended with a four-point spread.
 
WVU Tech (20-7) opened the game quickly. A pair of threes by sophomore Brandon Burgraff was followed by two layups by Procter to give it a 10-0 lead less than three minutes in.
 
Sophomore Josh Whitaker hit a three with 16:54 left to get the Bears on the scoreboard and commence a 9-2 run to pull within three at 12-9. Moments later, however, seven quick points for the guests made it a double-digit lead at 23-12.
 
Tech used a 7-2 run late to regain its 10-point edge before Whitaker nailed a three to beat the halftime buzzer and trim the lead to 40-33.
 
Pikeville (16-11) scored seven straight to open the second half, and from that point on the spread was never more than five. The game was tied three times in the second half, including at 70, from which Tech pulled away.
 
The Bears were led by McHenry's 28 points, thanks to 13-of-16 shooting from the line. Whitaker followed with 13 while junior Chris Watson came off the bench for 11.
 
Whitaker led the Bears with six rebounds from his point-guard position. He also had three steals.
 
Tech had four players in double figures, led by senior Rahshon Tabb's 21. Robinson followed with 17. Rawlinson had 15 off the bench while Proctor tossed in 12.
 
Senior Eddie Hayden matched his eight points with as many rebounds to lead the Golden Bears to a 44-24 advantage on the glass.
 
Pikeville will close out the regular season next Saturday when it hosts U.Va.-Wise in a game set to tip at 4:07 p.m. Tech will return home on Thursday night to host Shawnee State University.
 
 
-UPIKE-