PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The Bears were in complete control early and never looked back as UPIKE closed out its calendar year with a win against Kentucky Christian.

Everyone on the roster got extended time – and scored – in the contest, led by Brianna Burbridge's 14-point effort.

Burbridge ended up a single rebound short of a double-double for the second time in three games.

UPIKE has now won five games in a row since moving to their platoon-style substitution system.

Pikeville got ahead early thanks to a dominant interior presence in the opening quarters. UPIKE went to the glass early and often with success, shooting over 50 percent in each of the first two quarters, while only attempting five threes.

Meanwhile, the Bears were also in complete control on the defensive end in the first half, holding the Knights to just 31 percent shooting and 22 percent from distance.

Nearly all of KCU's offense came from the hands of Sydney Foster, who led all scorers with 39 points even though nearly every shot was contested.

Outside of Foster, KCU shot just 30.2 percent through the entire game.

Conversely, UPIKE's offense came from all corners of the roster. Only three Bears scored in double figures: Burbridge, Hailey Free (12), and Mia Greatrex (10). Ten different Bears scored at least five points in the game.

UPIKE also dominated both sides of the rebound battle, outrebounding the Knights by nine overall as well as having 19 total offensive rebounds.

Burbridge continued her season-long dominance on the offensive glass, grabbing seven on the day to bring her season average to 4.31 per game which ranks in the top 10 of the NAIA.

UP NEXT

Tuesday's contest ended the 2019 portion of the season schedule. The UPIKE women return to action on New Years Day for a special contest against NCAA D-II for Bluefield State College. Tip-off for that contest is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at UPIKE Gym.

-UPIKE-