PIKEVILLE, Ky – What was a razor-close game for the first 32 minutes didn't fall in the Bears favor on Wednesday as Marian defeated UPIKE, 75-69.

After the opening minutes neither team held more than a four-point lead in the entire contest. To exemplify the back and forth nature of the game, the lead changed hands 11 times and changed at least once in each quarter.

UPIKE held a lead with under eight minutes to go, but a 14-0 run swung all the momentum, and the advantage, in Marian's favor that the Bears couldn't overcome. Dejah Cyrus controlled the game all day long with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Macy Willoughby and Macie Lively also scored in double figures for the Knights. Kayla Mullins and Mary Englert led UPIKE with 18 points each.

The Bears outshot the Knights on both areas of the floor, but 25 turnovers plagued UPIKE. Marian also took excellent advantage of those turnovers, converting them into 21 points.

UPIKE was able to get the deficit down to four points, but Marian made seven of its 10 free throws down the stretch to keep the Bears at bay.

UP NEXT

UPIKE closes out the year with a matchup against Milligan at 2 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the East Kentucky Expo Center.

-UPIKE-