COLUMBIA, S.C. — The University of Pikeville men's basketball team battled back from a halftime deficit to earn an 86-81 road victory over Columbia International University Saturday afternoon.
The Bears trailed 41-36 at the break but responded with a strong second-half performance, scoring 50 points after halftime to complete the comeback and secure the five-point win.
Jaylan Rigdon led the way for UPIKE with a game-high 38 points, shooting an impressive 14-of-19 from the field. Rigdon also went 10-of-15 at the free-throw line and added four rebounds and three steals. His scoring output accounted for nearly half of the Bears' 86 points.
Zion Blevins followed with 18 points, connecting on 7-of-13 attempts from the field while adding four rebounds and two blocks. Taye Williams contributed 12 points and four rebounds, while Jace Copley reached double figures with 10 points, including two three-pointers. Robby Todd pulled down a team-high eight rebounds and added eight points.
UPIKE finished the contest shooting 58.9 percent from the field, making 33-of-56 attempts. The Bears knocked down five of their 14 three-point attempts (35.7 percent) and converted 15-of-26 free throws.
The Bears' shooting efficiency proved important in a game where CIU held the rebounding advantage, 39-26. The Rams also recorded 14 assists compared to UPIKE's six and scored 17 second-chance points. However, UPIKE made the most of its opportunities offensively, outscoring CIU 44-52 in the paint while committing just 12 turnovers.
Defensively, UPIKE limited CIU to 39.5 percent shooting from the field and held the Rams without a three-pointer, as CIU finished 0-of-14 from beyond the arc. The Bears also recorded eight steals and forced 11 turnovers.
The contest featured six ties and six lead changes. CIU held a five-point advantage at the break, but UPIKE's second-half surge allowed the Bears to pull away for the 86-81 victory.
The Bears return to action on Wednesday, November 18th, where they will host Johnson University at the Appalachian Wireless Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
--UPIKE--
