GAINESVILLE, Ga. – The University of Pikeville will take a six-game win streak into postseason play after knocking off Brenau University 86-62 on Saturday afternoon.

It did so thanks to a career-high 31 points from sophomore guard Allie Stone, who was 12-of-14 from the field and made all three of her three-point attempts. She also was 4-of-5 from the line, including the two with 3:41 left to break her career best scoring game.

UPike will take a 21-7 overall record into its AAC tournament debut on Thursday when the team plays at MeadowView Convention Center and Resort in Kingsport, Tenn. The Bears went 17-5 in league play.

Brenau (9-15, 8-14) opened the game strong and when Ellie Kinlaw scored five points, it led 19-13 with 33 seconds left in the opening period.

Allie Stone hit a jumper to close the period, and that began a 16-2 stretch to turn the game around for the Bears. Freshman Rachel Bush keyed the run, scoring seven for the Bears, who were 5-of-6 from the line in the 7:10 stretch.

Meanwhile, the Tigers missed all seven of their shots, and when Morgan Stamper scored inside, UPike was on top 29-21 with 3:23 left before the half.

Pikeville ended the half with consecutive baskets, first from Stone to give her 18 in the first half, and then when she found Bush for a buzzer-beater, to go up 40-29 at the break.

UPike outscored Brenau in each of the final two quarters, building the lead to its largest point at 86-60 before the Tigers scored the final points at the line.

Stone was joined in double digits by Bush, who finished with 13 points to go with five rebounds, and senior Julia Parker, who had 10. Stamper had 10 rebounds while Bailey Frazier added six as the Bears won that category 39-31.

Nyla Moore paced the Tigers with 17 points and eight rebounds, adding three steals as well. Kinlaw joined her in double figures with 12.

--UPIKE--