PIKEVILLE, Ky. - The Milligan University men's basketball team began their Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) slate with a tough matchup on Wednesday evening in Pikeville against the University of Pikeville Bears, who were picked in the preseason to win the AAC. A strong second-half performance from the Bears stifled the Buffs, who fell 69-53 on the road.
Both squads struggled mightily on offense to begin the night, as neither side eclipsed the 40% mark in the opening set of 20 minutes. Milligan limped to a 12-of-36 conversion rate from the field, while UPIKE was just 12-of-32. The difference was a 6-1 three-point shot advantage for the Bears in the first half, as the score sat at 31-26 at the break.
Pikeville found their offensive rhythm in the second stanza, as they nailed nearly half of their shots at 14-of-29 after the intermission. Unfortunately, Milligan continued to shoot dismally, hitting only 13-of-40 in the half. The Buffaloes also shot no free throws in the half, while UPIKE hit 9-of-10 in the period. The combination of factors resulted in a 37-28 advantage in the second half for the home squad, and a 69-53 win as a final score.
Though Finn McClure did not score in the battle he did dish out five assists to lead the squad. Thomae, Gold and Luke Lentz each handed out a pair of dimes, while Bredwood had the other.
Tamba had a total of 16 boards in the loss, notching a double-double, while Rivers added seven and Thomae and Gold each grabbed five. Milligan held a 16-rebound advantage at the conclusion of the game, leading to 15 shots more than Pikeville took in the contest.
McClure (2), Thomae (1), Gold (1) and Rivers (1) each had steals in the game, while Jayme Peay had three blocks and Gold and Tamba also added one apiece.
Milligan (4-2, 0-1 AAC), will come back home for their first home battle of AAC play inside Steve Lacy Fieldhouse on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 4 p.m. against the Bears of Truett-McConnell, looking to get into the win column in conference.
