Pikeville, KY – Women's basketball bounced back in a big way Saturday afternoon, stomping Life University 76-50 at Appalachian Wireless Arena. Smart play was the difference and the Bears topped the Running Eagles in every category across the stat sheet.

Coach Williams' team got back on track after falling to UT-Southern on Thursday evening, looking smooth as ever in Saturday's win. The Bears shot 45% on the contest which included 10 threes for 45% from deep. UPIKE got it done from the free throw line as well, splashing 92% of chances totaling 12 points.

Georgia Sideri dropped in double digit points for the third time this season, matching her season high 12 points to lead the Bears offensively. Sideri also added three rebounds and three assists in the win. Morgan Stamper continued to flex her ability, recording her 13^th double-double of the season with 11 points and 14 rebounds, four of which came off the offensive glass.

Mary Englert also connected for 11 points, shooting 5-12 from the floor and also adding six rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. LeeAnna McNulty finished in double figures for the second straight game, contributing 10 points and adding five rebounds.

The Bears were relentless on the offensive glass in the first period, led by Stamper who had seven in the first half alone. Sierra Feltner set the tone for the Bears early on, draining a three off a dish from Englert. Neither team scored for over two minutes when Stamper broke the silence with a free throw. Life was held scoreless by the Bears defense up until the 5:49 mark when the Running Eagles made their first layup.

Threes came by way of Englert and Free as the Bears stretched their lead to seven headed into the final three minutes of the quarter. By the end of the period the Bears had a 22-9 lead.

Englert, Sideri, and Feltner connected to begin the second as the Bears secured their largest lead at 21 points. The Running Eagles were able to challenge with a few three pointers but the Bears kept the momentum, leading 34-21 headed into the break.

Bailey Frazier drained a three with 8:26 left to go in the third, extending the Bears' lead to 16. Toward the end of the period, Stamper flexed her defensive strength, gathering four rebounds, a steal, and even a layup all in the span of a minute. Sideri capped the third with a deep three as the Bears led 52-30 with a minute left to go in the period.

The fourth quarter was the same story as the Bears continued to fire on all cylinders, extending their lead to as much as 28. Julia Parker led the scoring in the fourth, dropping in a pair of threes assisted by Sheridan Robbins.

UPIKE women's basketball improves to 10-8 with the win and a 4-7 mark in conference play.

The Bears return to the hardwood on Monday, January 24^th as they head to Columbia, KY for a matchup with Lindsey Wilson. Tip-off between the Bears and Blue Raiders is slated for 3:00 PM (EST).