DALTON, Ga. – The University of Pikeville dug itself a halftime hole it couldn't dig out of in a 110-95 loss to Dalton State University on Tuesday afternoon.
 
The Bears trailed 53-32 at recess and, despite outscoring the Roadrunners 63-57 in the second half, weren't able to rally. In its final non-conference game of the regular-season, UPike was hurt by committing 21 turnovers and making only 10-of-20 from the line.
 
As a result, UPike saw its four-game win streak come to an end and heads into the Christmas break with a record of 10-4 on the season. Despite the loss, the program finished the calendar year 2023 with 22 wins and 11 losses.
 
Pikeville placed six in double figures in the scoring column, led by reigning AAC player of the week Kyonte Thomas, who fired in 24 points while grabbing seven rebounds and handing out five assists.
 
Senior Issac Stanback had the seventh double-double of his season, finishing with 19 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.
 
Sophomore Bradley Bunch scored 18 while pulling down six rebounds. Senior Jeremy Dillon and sophomores Keian Worrix and Keynan Cutlip all had 10 points.
 
Worrix led the team with six assists while Cutlip added five rebounds.
 
Dalton State (7-5) seven players reach double figures in scoring, paced by junior Franklin Almonte with 19. Junior Matt Compas followed with 17 points, four rebounds and five assists.
 
Senior Ellis Lee had 15 points, and senior Donovan Miller had 14 points while handing out nine assists.
 
Senior Allon Johnson scored 12 points, with senior Harrison Eghan and junior Carterius Evans added 10 markers apiece. Eghan added 10 rebounds.
 
The Bears will return to the court on Tuesday, Jan. 2 when they travel to play Bryan (Tenn.) College. Game time is 7:30 p.m.