Georgetown, KY – With Thursday's 64-53 victory over MSC rival Georgetown, UPIKE women's basketball has won four of their last six contests. Recently receiving votes in the national poll for the first time this season, the Bears are finding a rhythm in conference play.

Hailey Free had her best game to date, leading UPIKE's offensive charge with a season-high 15 points. The junior went 6-8 from the floor and grabbed five rebounds in the effort. Alexis Reed scored 13 and Morgan Stamper contributed 10 points and eight rebounds to round out the Bears' top performers.

UPIKE dominated in the first half, going out to a 15-0 lead out of the gate, led by Free and Stamper who combined for 12 points in less than five minutes. The Tigers would manage their first point of the game by way of a free throw with 2:55 left in the period. Georgetown made up some ground but after 10 minutes played the Bears were in control leading 19-6.

Fatma Aouinet and Alexis Reed both scored in the opening minutes of the second, before a three pointer from Julia Parker would give the Bears their largest lead of the ballgame. A two pointer from Free once again rewrote UPIKE's largest advantage as they led 32-13 with 3:32 to go in the half. The Bears held a 33-17 lead at the halftime buzzer.

Georgetown found new life in the third as they embarked on an 11-0 run spanning just over a minute to make it a six point ballgame with 3:00 to go. Reed quickly hit a layup and drilled a three to grow the Bears lead back to double figures and UPIKE headed into the last period ahead by 12.

Aouinet and Stamper did the heavy lifting in the fourth quarter as the Bears maintained their lead for the remainder of the contest. At the final buzzer the Bears earned win number 12 with a final score of 64-53.

UPIKE will turn around for a rematch against Georgetown for their next contest, returning home to Appalachian Wireless Arena for a 5:30 PM tip-off on Monday, February 1st.