Pikeville Thumps No. 1 Cumberlands, Makes Claim for Top Spot

(5) University of Pikeville 80
(1) University of the Cumberlands 64

Final from Pikeville, Kentucky

The University of Pikeville made a big statement Thursday night with an 80-64 victory over top-ranked University of the Cumberlands.

The Bears, led by a Herculean effort from senior Trevor Setty, used a big run in the second half to pull away from the Patriots (15-2, 6-1 MSC).

Setty, who knocked down a three-pointer on the game's first possession, finished with 28 points, 14 rebounds and 7 steals for the fifth-ranked Bears. The senior from Maysville also surpassed the 1,500-point plateau for his college career.

Chris Johnson added 18 points for Pikeville (16-1, 6-1 MSC). Jamar "Deuce" Briscoe had a poor shooting night but chipped in 13.

Antonio Bumpus led Cumberlands with 25 points and 10 boards. James Archie put in 10 points.

Pikeville will host Cumberland (TN) on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. If the Bears take care of business, they figure to be in the running for the top spot when the national polls are released next week.

A few thoughts:

- Trevor Setty was the man in this one. He is my early favorite for Mid-South Conference Player of the Week

- Pikeville is absolutely loaded. The Bears have all the elements to compete for a national championship. Setty, Briscoe and Johnson are as talented of a threesome as you'll find anywhere. Keep in mind, University of Louisville transfer Elisha Justice was the 7th man in this one.

- Don't be fooled by the score. Cumberlands is absolutely loaded, as well. The Patriots will be right there when it comes time to determine conference and national champs.

- Benito Santiago, Jr. had one of the better dunks I've seen all season (see below). That name probably sounds familiar. He is the son of longtime Major League Baseball catcher Benito Santiago.

- I was very impressed with the scoring ability of Antonio Bumpus. He put up 25 points and was relentless on the boards (5 offensive rebounds).

- Each time I visit the East Kentucky Expo Center, I walk away impressed. It is certainly one of the finer arenas in NAIA basketball.