PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern women's basketball gave the Bears spook in the first half but ended up falling 72-55 to Pikeville on Saturday.

Mary Mackie led the Firehawks with 15 points nailing four triples. Halle Jones added a career high 14 points and nine boards. Aaryn Grace Lester pitched in 10 points and nine rebounds.

UPike jumped out to an early lead but the Firehawks would fight back to trail by a bucket after one 17-15. Both sides would trade the lead in the second quarter with the Bears holding a 35-33 advantage at the break.

In the second half, the Bears would shoot 56% from the field to pull away from the Firehawks leading 58-47 with 10 minutes to play. The Bears would outscore the Firehawks 14-8 in the final period to secure the win.

UTS would shoot 22 of 65 for 34% from the field. There would be nine lead changes and six ties.

NEXT UP

The Firehawks continue to play at the Curry Athletic Complex on Thursday in non-conference action taking on the Flames of Welch on February 2nd. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m. UTS took the first meeting in Gallatin 91-66 back in November.

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