Pikeville, KY – UPIKE men's basketball held the program's annual senior night on Saturday, ahead of what would be an MSC classic against Lindsey Wilson. The Bears would string together an impressive late game effort to secure the 93-87 win.

Before tip-off, UPIKE staff, fans, and family took a moment to honor the accomplishments of four seniors. Malcolm Green, David Lee, Jordan Perry, and Cheikh Ndiaye took to the floor in celebration of their time at UPIKE before taking down the Blue Raiders in a game that came down to the final minutes.

Malcolm Green joined the Bears at the start of the season after spending time with Erskine College and Denmark Tech. The explosive guard has totaled over 1,000 points in his collegiate career including 303 for the Bears this season. Green has made an impact on the program in just one season, leading the Bears offensively with 14.5 points per game. In the classroom, Green is a Dean's list quality student pursuing a degree in criminal justice and plans to return to UPIKE for his extra year of eligibility and obtain a masters degree from the university.

Known for his charismatic and bright presence, Cheng-Wei (David) Lee walked to center court reflecting on his four seasons with the program. Lee has been a part of the 2018-19 MSC Regular Season Championship and 2018-19 Elite Eight runs and was a standout on the junior varsity squad that earned a conference title. David thanked his teammates, family and God above all as the NAIA Scholar-Athlete accepted his senior gifts. David Lee is on track to obtain a degree in sport management and business at UPIKE.

Jordan Perry was next as his long list of contributions to the program over the last five seasons echoed through the gymnasium. Perry has been an integral part of UPIKE men's basketball dating back to the 2016-17 season where he was named MSC Freshman of the Year. A product of West Liberty, KY, Perry built a winning relationship with now Athletic Director Kelly Wells and aided the Bears to a regular season title and two national tournament runs. Jordan belongs to the UPIKE 1,000 point club, scoring over 1400 points to date adding 246 rebounds in his career, boasting a shooting percentage of 49% through five seasons. Perry revealed his intention to utilize his extra year of eligibility next season and further his education with a masters degree in healthcare management.

The final senior recognized was Bronx, NY native Cheikh Ndiaye who has been with the program for three seasons. Ndiaye has played in 18 games for the Bears and his demeanor has been highlighted through his selection as an MSC Champion of Character. Ndiaye has picked up two MSC All-Academic nods along the way, pursuing a degree in social work. Ndiaye is a member of several organizations at UPIKE and plans to volunteer with the Peace Corps upong graduation.

Jamir Simpson followed up the senior night festivities with a career performance that saw the freshman take over the Bears inside game. Simpson finished with a season high 29 points on 11-15 from the field and 7-12 from the free throw line, adding six rebounds. Green was a clean 5-6 from the field, connecting in several critical moments down the stretch to finish with 13 points. Green finished just short of a season high with seven rebounds in the win as well.

All said, the Bears finished with a 56% clip from the field, trumping Lindsey Wilson who connected on 53%. Free throws were crucial in the contest and the Bears hit 25 of 33 to Lindsey's 19-26 from the line.

After the senior day festivities, the Bears got down to business with a Blue Raiders team that brought high-energy to Saturday afternoon's game. It was Lindsey Wilson who would snag the early advantage and outscore the Bears in the first half 42-32. By 4:44 to go in the first, Lindsey had built a 19 point lead but the Bears were up to the challenge. By the end of the first 20 minutes, the Blue Raider lead was cut to just 10 and UPIKE began to shift the momentum.

Less than four minutes into the second half, UPIKE were knocking at the door of the Lindsey Wilson lead, trailing by just two. Simpson became an important part of the Bears rise and would be the driving force behind their second half run. Lindsey Wilson played an elevated stretch around the 5:00 mark that saw them reclaim a seven-point lead, but from 3:44 until the final buzzer, it was all UPIKE. The Bears defense paired with clutch play from Green and Simpson in the final two minutes secured what would be an exciting win for the Bears at the end of the day.

UPIKE returns to the hardwood on Thursday, February 18^th on the road against Bethel (Tenn.).