PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The University of Pikeville women's basketball team led by as many as nine points and never trailed in the first half, but went cold from the field in the second on the way to a 73-67 overtime loss to Bluefield (Va.) in the Appalachian Wireless Classic on Friday afternoon.

The Bears (0-2) went up 35-26 on a layup by Mia Greatrex with 2:26 left until halftime but saw the Rams score six of the last seven points of the half to start the comeback.

UPIKE took a 36-32 lead into the break, but it took less than three minutes for Bluefield (1-1) to grab its first lead at 38-37 on a long jumper by Emily Hart. Still, it took until the 3:09 mark of the fourth quarter for the Rams to lead by more than a single possession at 59-54 on another bucket by Hart.

Down by four with less than two minutes left in regulation, the Bears were able to extend the game because of back-to-back layups by Emily Baker. The teams combined to miss the final three shots in the period to send it to overtime.

The Rams dominated the extra period, outscoring UPIKE 10-4, including multiple deep shots over the outstretched hands of Bear defenders.

In the end, the game simply came down to shooting. Sure, having six extra turnovers hurt, but it was a game in which UPIKE led in rebounds 39-35, made five more free throws and led in bench, fast break, second chance and off-turnover scoring but stil lost.

After shooting 57.7 percent from the field in the first half, the Bears turned in just a 34.4 percent showing in the second half and overtime combined.

Emily Baker scored 15 points and pulled down four rebounds to lead UPIKE, while Rachel Lee chipped in with 13 points and six boards. Adison Corder started hot with two early 3s, but struggled from the field in the second half along with the rest of the Bears to finish with eight points.

Danae Cox led the Rams with 16 points and Kierra Bell-Linear added 14 points and 11 rebounds.

UP NEXT

The Appalachian Wireless Classic continues on Saturday with UPIKE taking on Milligan (Tenn.) at 2 p.m. ET in the East Ky. Expo Center.

-UPIKE-