PIKEVILLE, Ky. – UPIKE men's basketball sent a statement on Thursday with a big win in the NAIA's marquee matchup of the day, defeating then-undefeated No. 18 Life, 84-77.

Pikeville's offense was in high gear throughout the night, shooting 52 percent on the night. Five different Bears scored in double figures, led by Jordan Perry's 18 points.

The Bears used a pair of runs to build a big lead in the first half. First, an 8-0 run with 10 minutes left in the half broke a tie and gave the Bears the biggest lead by either team to that point. Shortly after, UPIKE went on a 12-1 run to close the half with a 16-point lead. Fifteen of Perry's points came in the first 20 minutes.

Deandre Barton (16), Jazz Parker (13), Luke Layhew (12), and Xaviar Gaona (11) were the other Bears to score in double figures in the contest. However, the most impressive statline may have come from Chaz Hinds who had seven points and nine rebounds off the bench.

UPIKE was also able to limit the Running Eagles that had carried them for most of the season to this point. The Bears held Antwan Maxwell, who entered the game averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds per game, to 12 points and seven rebounds.

Pikeville controlled the glass as well, grabbing nine more rebounds than Life and holding them to just six offensive rebounds.

Despite dominating the first half, Life was able to put a scare into the Bears.

The Running Eagles used a strong method to power a comeback, hit 3-pointers and go to the free-throw stripe frequently. Life hit 5-of-11 3-pointers in the second half, and more importantly 15-of-17 free throws.

Life was able to get back within single-digits, but ran out of time as the Bears secured the win.

UP NEXT

UPIKE will finish its early week of Mid-South Conference play on Saturday when the Bears host Cumberland (Tenn.) at 4 p.m. at Appalachian Wireless Arena.

-UPIKE-