MONTREAT, N.C. – Redshirt freshman forward Zion Blevins scored 24 points and pulled down nine rebounds to lead the University of Pikeville past Montreat College 81-61 on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Chapmanville, W.Va., native needed only 11 shots, sinking eight of them, and hit all eight of his free throws in the win. On the defensive side, he blocked three shots.
 
UPike shot 53.8 percent in the first half to build a 39-29 lead and then doubled it in the second 20 minutes, finishing 10 of 24 (41.7 percent) from outside. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, shot only 36.5 percent and finished 4 for 25 from the arc.
 
The win pushed the Bears to 5-2 on the season and have won their last four games, all in league play to stand atop the conference standings in a tie with Tennessee Wesleyan.
 
Blevins was joined in double figures by senior guard Keian Worrix, who had 15 points on 3 for 4 shooting on three-pointers and sinking all four free throws.
 
Senior LA Walker tossed in 12 points and pulled down three rebounds in only 16 minutes of play.
 
Montreat, which fell to 3-4 on the season and 1-2 in the league, put three players in double digits. Junior RJ Manginello and sophomore Lawrence Cole had 12 points and four rebounds apiece. Manginello added four assists.
 
Senior Caleb Moore had a game-high 10 rebounds.
 
UPike will be back home on Tuesday night, hosting Union Commonwealth University. Scheduled for 7:30 p.m., the game will be played at the Appalachian Wireless Arena.