Union Holds Early Lead, Falls to Pikeville

PIKEVILLE, Ky. - Union Commonwealth University's women's basketball team (1-7, 0-4 AAC) fell to Pikeville (5-1, 5-0 AAC) on Tuesday afternoon at Appalachian Wireless Arena, 68-88. 

Freshman forward Kylie Noe led the Bulldogs with 18 points, adding 4 rebounds and an assist. Sophomore point guard Sarah Smith led the team on the boards with 5 offensive and 3 defensive rebounds and added 8 points, while senior guard Isis Rodgers recorded 4 steals. Freshman forward Aymanni Wynn contributed 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. 

The game featured five lead changes and four ties.

How It Happened

First Quarter: Union Commonwealth 23, Pikeville 15

Union controlled the first quarter with strong inside scoring and aggressive rebounding. Noe and Sophomore center Lindsey Pirkle combined for key layups and second-chance points, while Wynn added a three-pointer to give the Bulldogs an early lead. Union gradually extended its advantage through consistent scoring and defensive pressure, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting Pikeville's opportunities. 

Union shot 75% from three-point range and 62.5% from the field, finishing the quarter with a 23–15 lead.

Second Quarter: Union Commonwealth 39, Pikeville 36

The Bulldogs led early in the second quarter, with Smith and Noe scoring key layups. Midway through the quarter, Pikeville went on a run, led by Sophie Adkins, as Union went several minutes without scoring. Rodgers and freshman guard Aniyah Carter recorded multiple steals, and Union's offensive rebounds allowed the Bulldogs to maintain a 39-36 lead at halftime.

Third Quarter: Union Commonwealth 49, Pikeville 66

Union fell behind early in the third quarter as Pikeville, led by Anika Stehbens, went on a 10 point run. Union responded with late baskets from Carter, Rodgers, and Noe, but the Bulldogs still trailed 49-66 heading into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter: Union Commonwealth 68, Pikeville 88

Union fell behind early in the fourth as Pikeville extended their lead to 20 points. Union scored intermittently, led by Wynn and Noe, while both teams traded baskets throughout the quarter. Rodgers made a late three-pointer, but Pikeville maintained their lead, closing the game with Union falling 68-88. 

Up Next

Union women's basketball will return to action Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 5:30 p.m. to play at Georgetown at Davis-Reid Alumni Gym.