Rio Grande, OH – The University of Pikeville women's basketball team won their second straight game Tuesday afternoon at the No. 18 ranked University of Rio Grande, 79-76. This was the Red Storm's first loss of the season.

Morgan Stamper led the Bears with 24 points and 13 rebounds, which is her ninth double-double this season and her sixth consecutive double-double. Mary Englert (20), Sierra Feltner (15), and Bailey Frazier (12) all joined her in double-digits. Feltner also led UPIKE with three assists in the game, while also recording three blocks.

The win improves UPIKE to 6-6 this season, as they will return to action on Thursday, Dec. 30 in Pikeville against Mount Vernon Nazarene.

How It Happened
Despite a few ties, the Bears never led until there was 5:10 left on the clock in the second quarter, where a Feltner trey made it 30-28. UPIKE had trailed by as many as eight up to this point in the contest.

The two teams continued to trade points throughout the remainder of the half, before a quick 4-0 Bears burst sent the game into the break all even at 38-38.

The third quarter saw the Red Storm grab another seven-point lead as they looked to try and put the game out of reach. The Bears came right back though as Feltner, Englert, and Hailey Free all knocked down shots to cut the lead to 58-57 heading into the final period.

The beginning of the final quarter saw Rio Grande take another seven-point lead with just under nine minutes to play, but the Bears would not go away. With the score 64-57, UPIKE began what would become a game-changing 12-0 run to make the score 69-64 in favor of the Bears. Feltner and Frazier both had four points to contribute to the run.

UPIKE would hold a 75-70 advantage with just over three minutes to play, but the Red Storm would push the game to 77-76 with under a minute to play.

After a missed three by the Bears, a clutch Stamper steal forced Rio Grande to foul with 12 seconds remaining. This sent Englert to the line for two big free throws. The senior and newest member of the 1,000-point club calmly knocked down both shots to make it 79-76 and force the Red Storm to have to make a three. They were unable to do so, and the Bears came away with the 79-76 victory.

Inside The Box Score
The Bears outshot Rio Grande 43.1% to 41% in the game.

After another solid game, Stamper continues to lead the NAIA in offensive rebounds per game with 6.8 and 81 total offensive rebounds. She is also tied for fourth in the NAIA with 12.5 rebounds a game.

What's Up Next
As mentioned, UPIKE will next host the No.24 ranked Mount Vernon Nazarene Cougars inside the UPIKE Gym on Dec. 30 at 12:00 p.m.