WILLIAMSON, W.Va. – No. 21 University of Pikeville wrapped up 2025 with a hard-fought 82-74 win over the University of Rio Grande on Saturday afternoon.
 
For the second straight season, the Bears played their final game before the Christmas break at the historic Williamson Field House.
 
For the calendar year 2025, UPike finished with a record of 25-6.
 
A jumper by freshman center Eli Roberts put the Red Storm on top 6-5 with 18:37 left in the first half. The Bears responded with five straight, getting two free throws from freshman Zion Blevins and a three by senior Bradley Bunch to take a 10-6 lead.
 
While the lead grew no larger than eight, when junior post Justin Savoy completed a three-point play with 1:04 left in the half to make it 44-36, the Bears led the rest of the first half and took a 44-40 edge to the half.
 
The lead grew no bigger than eight until the 7:57 mark of the second half when Blevins sank a free throw to make the lead 63-54.
 
The Bears finally took a double-digit lead with 2:27 left in the game when sophomore Jaylan Rigdon sank a three from the top to make the score 73-63.
 
UPike (13-2) placed all five starters in double figures, led by senior guard Keian Worrix with 19. The Pikeville native also had four assists and three rebounds.
 
Blevins followed with 14. Bunch had 12 points and seven rebounds, while senior guard LA Walker had 11 points and seven boards. Senior Keynan Cutlip finished with 10 points and three assists.
 
Rio Grande (5-7) got a game-high 20 points from junior James Wright, who doubled up with 10 rebounds. Senior Jaylin Fox had 16 for the Red Storm.
 
McCloud and Roberts had 12 points apiece.
 
Senior guard Trey Robertson had a solid all-around performance, finishing with eight points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
 
UPike will return to action on Saturday, January 3 when it visits Truett McConnell (Ga.) University. Game time is 4 p.m.