PIKEVILLE, Ky. -- Aundrea Matchen was on fire for the No. 22 University of Pikeville women's basketball team, finishing with a game-high 24 points, as the Bears topped visiting Bluefield 83-66 on Thursday at the East Ky. Expo Center.

Matchen knocked down 6-of-8 shots from the field in the first half, including her lone 3-point attempt. The sophomore's 13 early points kept the Bears in front as the Rams hung around to go into halftime down just 36-33.

The turning point came in the third quarter when the Bears outscored Bluefield 29-17 after utilizing 15-0 run over the final 4:30 of the period. It was 50-50 with 4:24 on the clock, but the Rams went 0 for 6 from the field and turned the ball over four times as the Bears turned the heat up defensively.

UPIKE's lead stayed in double figures throughout the final quarter as it outscored the Rams (2-3) 18-16 to improve to 3-0 on the season.

Defense made a big impact for the Bears as they outshot Bluefield from the field 49.3-38.6 percent and forced 24 turnovers. UPIKE also blocked seven shots, compared to just three for the Rams.

Devin Conley back up Matchen with 17 points on four 3-pointers while also pulling down five boards. Adison Corder was solid off the bench, finishing with 15 points and hitting a trio of shots from long range. Sandra Davis also reached double figures off the bench with 10 points and six rebounds.

Danae Cox paced the Rams with 21 points and Monique Robson chipped in with 13.

The Bears will be right back in action at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday against West Virginia Tech in the East Ky. Expo Center.

-UPIKE-