MONTREAT, N.C. -- On a night when it seemed it could do no wrong, the University of Pikeville women's basketball team poured in the program's most points in recorded history, routing Montreat 138-39 on Monday.
The Bears shot 62.2 percent from the field, hitting a staggering 56 field goals, including an 11-of-19 showing from behind the arc (57.9%). The 138 points are the most given up by Montreat this season as NCAA Div. I Gardner Webb is next in line with 118.
Since records were kept starting in 2003, UPIKE has scored at least 100 points seven times with 109 points tallied last month tying for second on the list. Simply put, this year's edition knows how to light up the scoreboard.
Shekinah Gibson paced UPIKE with 21 points on 10-of-11 shooting from the field and Kelah Eldridge added 20 points, connecting on all four of her 3-point attempts and all four of her free throws. Also in double figures was Khalilah Quigley with 17, Aundrea Matchen with 11 and Kayla Day and Dee Foster tallying 10 points each.
Day flirted with a double-double dishing out nine assists and Dinyell Calvert paced the Bears on the glass with 11 rebounds. There were so many efficient efforts, including Jamie Castle going 4-for-4 from the field with a three to finish with nine points and five assists.
The defense wasn't bad either as the Cavaliers shot 29.1 percent from the field (16-55) and missed all 14 of their 3-point attempts. Montreat's best showing came from the free-throw line where it hit 7 of 10, but it was a small bright spot while being outrebounded 57-23 and committing 37 turnovers with just seven assists.
UPIKE, on the other hand, shared the ball with zeal, finishing with 32 assists and only 12 turnovers. The bounty of dimes are also a program record according to available archives, topping the 31 dished out against Ohio State-Mansfield in 2008.
Montreat's Pearl Henriquez was the Cavs' standout, scoring 18 points on 7-of-20 shooting from the field, while Cassidy O'Brien reached double figures as well with 11.
UPIKE returns to action at 6 p.m. ET on Thursday against Cumberlands at the East Ky. Expo Center.
