PIKEVILLE, Ky. -- The University of Pikeville women's basketball team led by 10 at halftime before being outscored 44-30 by Cumberlands in the second 20 minutes to give the Patriots a 71-67 come-from-behind win on Thursday in the East Ky. Expo Center.
UPIKE (8-3, 2-3 MSC) was ahead by nine when Kandice Porter hit a free throw with 16 minutes to play, but the Patriots went on an 11-2 run over the next five minutes to tie the game at 46-46. Cumberlands took its first lead since the 9:46 mark of the first half on a free throw by Lydia Box.
After falling behind by five at 55-50, UPIKE fought back with an 8-2 run of its own to regain the lead. The advantage switched hands three more times before the Patriots took over for good with 1:37 on the clock.
Trailing by one in the final minute, Kelah Eldridge missed a three and Shekinah Gibson came up empty on two second chances. On the Bears' last chance to take the lead Khalilah Quigley was called for an offensive foul as she spun into the paint. Lateesha DeLoach nailed two free throws with five seconds left to seal the win.
Quigley led UPIKE with 25 points, followed by Porter with 15 and Gibson with 12. Quigley's eight rebounds were also a team high, while Gibson pulled down seven and Jamie Castle dished out four assists. UPIKE finished with 11 assists and 18 turnovers while the Patriots had 13 of each.
Both teams struggled from the field with Cumberlands (6-4, 3-2 MSC) managing 38.3 percent and UPIKE hitting at 35.1. The Patriots did lead the game in threes made 7-3 and both teams were solid from the line with the Bears hitting 24-of-27 shots and Cumberlands making 18-of-20.
Early in the first half it looked like the Patriots might not have many problems with a quick 7-2 lead, but credit the Bears by adjusting fast and getting back within one just two minutes later. After tying it up at 18 the Bears controlled the rest of the half, using a 14-2 run to build a 32-20 lead near the break.
The Bears hit the road on Saturday, traveling to Wilberforce, Ohio for two games in two days at the Central State Tournament. UPIKE plays Wilberforce Saturday at Noon ET and Central State on Sunday at 4 p.m.
