KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Pikeville fired in three straight three-point shots to break open a tie game and key a 17-4 run that gave it a 78-70 win over Johnson (Tenn.) University on Thursday night.
 
The win moved the Bears to 3-1 on the season, all of them against Appalachian Athletics Conference opponents. It was the second game in a stretch of three league games in five days.
 
The Royals tied the game on a layup by Josh Alexander at 58 with 10:37 left.
 
After two scoreless minutes, sophomore Keian Worrix tossed in three-point baskets on consecutive trips downcourt, and when junior guard Kyonte Thomas hit another one 30 seconds later, the Bears were on top 67-58 with 7:28 left.
 
Johnson scored three points on free throws to get within six before graduate student Korbin Spencer nailed a jumper. Jawaun Moore hit another free throw for the Royals before the Bears put the game on ice.
 
Spencer began the final stretch with a pair of free throws, followed by a jumper by Worrix. When sophomore Bradley Bunch hammered home a dunk with 3:28 to go, the run was complete and the Bears were on top 75-62.
 
UPike shot 27-of-57 from the floor for 47.4 percent. For the second consecutive game, the Bears were locked in from outside, sinking 9-of-21 for 42.9 percent from the arc. Finally, the Bears had a solid outing from the stripe, nailing 15-of-19 (78.9 percent).
 
Johnson (1-4, 0-3) struggled shooting the ball, hitting only 37.3 percent overall. It did connect seven times on 19 three-point shots, good for 36.8 percent. The Royals finished 13-of-19 from the line for 68.4 percent.
 
The Bears controlled the glass, grabbing 46 rebounds to 32 for the Royals. Thirteen of those came off the offensive boards.
 
Spencer led five Bears in double digits with 20 points while pulling down seven rebounds. Worrix finished with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Bunch just missed a double-double with 12 points and nine boards.
 
Thomas totaled 12 points and six rebounds while senior Issac Stanback had 11 points and nine caroms.
 
Moore paced the Royals with 14 points. Toris Woods followed with 13. Malique Oates finished with 12 points and nine rebounds, while Trey Prater added 10.
 
The Bears will stay on the road, heading to Waleska, Ga., to play Reinhardt on Saturday. The second game of a women-men doubleheader is slated for a 4 p.m. opening tip.