Crestview Hills, KY – UPIKE men's basketball hit the road headed north on Thursday afternoon for a New Years Eve Showdown with Thomas More. It was a barnburner of a matchup as UPIKE prevailed following one of their strongest second half efforts of the season, securing the 68-65 win.

The win evens the Bears overall record to 4-4 on the season, 2-3 in conference play.

Korbin Spencer was a multi-purpose scoring threat in the win, showcasing his range as well as his ability to deliver under pressure. The sophomore dropped 19 points on 5-11 from the floor and grabbed seven rebounds. Spencer made good on three of five from three and went 6-7 from the charity stripe. The Bears' excellent second-half performance was thanks in part to Malcom Green who caught fire in the final 10 minutes, he finished with 17 points, seven rebounds.

Thomas More jumped out to an early lead in the first half with excellent post play, converting on several layups to go up 10-5 in the first four minutes. Korbin Spencer and Malcom Green were the driving force of the early offense as they each connected on a shot with Spencer's coming from beyond the arc.
Just past the 10 minute marker, Spencer drilled a mid-range followed by an and-one layup to cap off an 8-0 UPIKE run and put the Bears up 18-17. A few possessions later, Spencer once again drew a foul on a tough drive to the basket, converting on both free throws to grow the UPIKE lead to four. With five minutes to play Jamir Simpson completed a beautiful up and under move in the low post that made it 25-22 UPIKE. As the first half waned, Thomas More lit up from deep, splashing a trio of threes to reclaim the lead. UPIKE stayed in the game, heading into the locker room down four with a score of 33-29.

Spencer dropped the Bears' first bucket of the second half with just under 17 minutes to play in the form of a three pointer that brought the Bears within two possessions. Spencer splashed another three followed by a deep ball from Malcom Green and with 15 minutes to go UPIKE trailed by just two, trailing 42-40. Thomas More continued to push though, building their lead once again, slowing down the offense and forcing mistakes. Malcom Green got hot in the last eight minutes, scoring buckets on two of four possessions trying to keep the Bears within 10.

UPIKE started to heat up heading into he final five minutes of play, scoring eight straight capped off by an athletic put-back play from Jordan Perry that tied the game at 58 all with 3:55 to play. The Bears took their first lead of the half on a nice play under the basket by Green with 2:35 left in the game. After a double technical that put the teams at 62-60 UPIKE, Green continued to make the highlight reel, drilling a corner three to make it 65-62 UPIKE headed into the final minute. Thomas More's Logan Swackhammer splashed a quarter-court three to bring Thomas More within two which was followed by a quick foul. With 6.6 seconds left Korbin Spencer made one of two from the line and it was UPIKE possession with 2.7 to go. The Bears held on, securing the 68-65 victory in the final seconds.

The Bears will return home this weekend for a conference bout with Shawnee State on Saturday, January 2^nd. Tip-off from Appalachian Wireless Arena is slated for 4PM.