PIKEVILLE, Ky. – UPIKE men's basketball was unable to shake off its recent demons on Thursday, losing to Shawnee State, 68-57.

Pikeville burst out of the gate early and held a double-digit lead for most of the first half. JJ Ramey led the way for Pikeville in the early going, scoring all 11 of his points in the first half.

The lead stood at 12 with just over two minutes to go until halftime before Shawnee went on a 7-0 run to close out the half.

Although UPIKE rebuilt a 10-point lead after halftime, SSU responded with a 11-0 run to take its first lead since the opening minutes.

For most of the second half, neither team held more than a five-point lead. UPIKE then started to get in foul trouble as SSU got to the free-throw stripe repeatedly in the second half.

Shawnee hit 16 of 18 free throws, including the last 13 straight in the second half. SSU was led by Kyree Elder, who scored a game-high 21 points. He shot just 6-14 in the game and had seven turnovers but converted all eight of his free throws.

The NAIA's leading blocker, EJ Onu, also caused UPIKE problems as he approached a triple double with 13 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks.

Onu was in a battle with UPIKE's Luke Layhew all night who picked up his fifth double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

DeAndre Barton was the other UPIKE scorer in double figures with a 13-point night of his own.

UP NEXT

UPIKE has a full week off before traveling to Williamsburg to take on Cumberlands (Ky.) on Jan. 23. Tip-off for that contest is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

-UPIKE-