MILLIGAN, Tenn. – Milligan (Tenn.) University shot 50.8 percent from the field and was 11 of 22 on three-point shots to beat No. 15 University of Pikeville 78-61 on Wednesday night.
 
The Buffaloes had six different players make three pointers in the win.
 
The Bears, meanwhile, didn't shoot as well, hitting only 33.3 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from outside. They were successful from the free throw line, going 15 of 17 for 88.2 percent, but it wasn't enough.
 
The 61 points the Bears posted was the fewest amount they've scored in a game this season and the least they've scored since a 66-51 loss at Campbellsville on Feb. 11, 2023.
 
Milligan put four players in double digits. Three of them were starters, but the bench also gave it a resounding edge, outscoring Pikeville's nonstarters 26-7 in the game.
 
UPike (15-4, 8-3 in the AAC) got 19 points each from juniors Bradley Bunch and LA Walker. Bunch had a game-high 12 rebounds for the Bears, while Walker grabbed six and also had two steals.
 
Graduate student Cade Looney scored 10 points, pulled down nine rebounds and blocked two shots. Junior point guard Keian Worrix, who had four points, handed out four assists in the loss.
 
Jayme Peay led the Buffs with 15 points while grabbing seven rebounds. McCaskill Rivers had 14 points and eight rebounds, while Sam Gold tossed in 14 as well.
 
Elijah Bredwood scored 12 for Milligan.
 
The Bears will be home on Saturday, hosting Tennessee Wesleyan University at the UPike Gym. The game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. opening tip.