Williamsburg, KY – A four game MSC game winning streak was snapped on Thursday as two NAIA Top 25 teams stepped onto the floor in the O. Wayne Rollins Center. A low scoring first half led to a very physical final 20 minutes of play, but on this night it was the Bears of the University of Pikeville besting the Patriots as UC drops their first conference contest at home on the year in a 66-52 loss. The defeat moves the Patriots to 17-6 on the year and 4-4 in MSC play.
 
A low-scoring first half saw a back and forth battle for position between the Patriots and the Bears, but UPike would hold the advantage for much of the frame. UC would snag a lead at 18-16 late in the half, but Pikeville would take the lead back late as they held a one point lead at the break 20-19.
 
Cumberlands would snag the lead back early in the second half off a pair of Jordan Griggs' free throws, but Pikeville would answer and quickly. A 13-2 Bears run would give them a 10 point advantage at 33-23 with 15 minutes to play. A pair of times in the half UC would bring the margin within three, but UPike would find an answer each time with the final one pulling away for a 14 point win over the Patriots.
 
The Patriots were led by Malik Colvin-Seldon who pitched his third double-double of the season with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Nnamdi Van Dulm and Griggs each scored nine points while Caleb Taylor added eight points with 11 rebounds. On the night, UC shot 32.8% from the field but just 1-9 from beyond the arc. UPike was led by Luke Layhew with his own double-double chipping in 25 points with 18 rebounds. Jayvian Delacruz added a double-double as well with 20 points and ten boards.
 
UC returns to action on Saturday, February 2^nd as they host Shawnee State University in another Mid-South Conference matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 pm.
 
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