McKenzie, Tenn. – The Bears defeated Bethel (Tenn.) 75-68 Saturday afternoon, putting their first in the conference win column. UPIKE took an early advantage and led all 40:00 of play.

"MSC road wins are hard to come by," said Head Coach Tigh Compton, "We want to celebrate each and every one of them."

Korbin Spencer delivered a 17-point season-high performance on 6-15 shooting, adding four rebounds and a pair of steals. Jacob Brown finished with 14, scoring double digits in his fifth straight game, also leading the Bears with eight rebounds. Brown's incredibly efficient 71% shooting percentage on the season leads the Mid-South Conference. 

Decision-making continued to improve for the Bears, who connected on 50.9% of shots from the field, finishing at 10-17 from deep. UPIKE finished a clean 11-15 from the free throw line. The Bears outrebounded the Wildcats 29-28 and held Bethel to just four threes. 

Throughout the first five minutes, the Bears jumped out to an 11-6 lead, piloted by Brown, who splashed a three and scored three times in the span. Threes rained from Elijah Herron, Bradley Bunch, and Spencer in the following minutes as the Bears held a 10-point lead with 10:00 to play.

A Devin Collins three-pointer at the 4:23 mark gave the Bears their largest lead of the game to cap a 16-9 run. UPIKE was in control 42-31 at the break.

Bethel challenged to open the second, firing out on a 15-8 run, which brought them within five at the 12:26 mark. Spencer led the Bears with seven over the next eight minutes, stretching the lead to nine with four minutes to go. UPIKE gave up just six points in the final minutes, taking the win.

Compton added, "Our guys fought hard and did what they needed to do to come out with a win today. It was a total team effort, and I couldn't be more proud of them."

The Bears prepare to return to Pikeville on Tuesday, November 22nd, for a battle with (RV) Shawnee State at Appalachian Wireless Arena. Tip-off for the Battle of the Bears is slated for 7:30 PM.