Pikeville, KY – UPIKE women's basketball strung together their best 40-minute stretch of the season Monday evening, taking down ninth-ranked Shawnee State. The Bears were undoubtedly firing on all cylinders and controlled the majority of the contest which eventually led to a 92-74 victory.

The win is the second over a top 25 opponent for UPIKE this season, with the first coming against No. 14 Bethel. The Bears have defeated a nationally ranked Shawnee State team in three of their last four matchups, dating back to February of 2019.

Brianna Burbridge was dialed in as ever in the win, matching her career high 26 points – a mark she incidentally met a season ago against Shawnee State. Burbridge seamlessly dropped 12 of 16 attempts and pulled in 14 rebounds for a game high in both categories and her fifth double-double of the season. The forward capped off her statline with four steals and a pair of blocks.

Mary Englert was runner-up in scoring with 18 points but was involved all over the floor. Englert also drained four threes, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out four assists. Morgan Stamper made a big impact in the victory as well, going 6-9 from the floor including a perfect 2-2 from deep to total 15 points. Stamper went to work on the boards as well, finishing with eight.

Each week, the Bears have built upon their team chemistry and Monday's performance told the tale as well as any. UPIKE's defense looked collected and decisive as they held a national tournament contender to just 40% from the field. Offensively UPIKE shot an unprecedented 57% from the field, drilling seven three pointers as well on 7-13 from deep. The Bears took the advantage in every stat category included rebounds with 44 to SSU's 25. UPIKE also capitalized from the line splashing 10 of 12 attempts from the stripe.

From the tip, UPIKE was dialed in on both ends of the floor, going out on an 8-2 run and not allowing Shawnee to score for two minutes of play. SSU settled into a pressure defensive set in attempt to force the Bears out of rhythm but were answered with controlled offensive production. UPIKE outscored SSU 28-16 in the first quarter, shooting an impressive 61 percent. Burbridge had Shawnee's number early on, managing 10 points in the opening period.

SSU launched into the second quarter with speed, playing to their strength of quick-hitting offense and began biting away at the UPIKE lead. Thanks to an impressive stretch by Shawnee State led by Carson Roney, the Bears' lead was trimmed to just four with under two minutes until the half. Kicked off by a driving layup from Alexis Reed, UPIKE closed the quarter with a 10-2 run and a 46-34 lead.

It was apparent less than three possessions into the third period which team was locked in following Morgan Stamper jumper that grew UPIKE's lead to double-digits. Coach Williams' squad would lead by at least 11 for the remainder of the contest. Burbridge dropped 10 of her 26 points in the period while teammate Englert added five.

A trio of three pointers lined the statsheet for UPIKE's fourth quarter as they extended their lead to 30 at the 7:19 mark after a deep ball from Englert. SSU closed out with a strong showing but fell short in the comeback effort. UPIKE secured the 92-74 victory to move to 6-1.

UPIKE women's basketball looks to continue the win streak this Friday, December 18^th for another tough MSC matchup with Campbellsville.