Photos

COLUMBIA, Ky. – No. 21-ranked Lindsey Wilson used stellar free throw shooting to hold off visiting Pikeville (Ky.) 85-76 on Saturday at Biggers Sports Center.

The Blue Raiders (18-5, 6-3 Mid-South Conference) made 31-of-36 freebies in the game, including 10 of its final 11 over the final 2:30, to complete the season sweep of the Bears (18-6, 4-5 MSC).

Lindsey Wilson also benefitted form a substantial rebounding edge (46-27) to win for the eighth time in 10 games.

Lindsey Wilson shot out to an early 12-point lead in the first half following Bre Elder's 3-point jumper to give the Blue Raiders a 16-4 lead. Elder, along with Chanel Roberts, led the Blue Raiders with 19 points each.

Pikeville responded with a run of its own. The Bears scored 14 of the next 16 to knot the score at 18-18.

Tied at 27-27 with 6:50 left in the first half, the Blue Raiders closed out the half on an 11-5 run to assume a 38-32 edge at intermission. Lindsey Wilson is 15-1 this season when leading at the break.

During the second half, Lindsey Wilson claimed as large of a lead as 17 points (63-46), but Pikeville charged back to cut the deficit to 67-64 with under five minutes remaining in regulation.

Free throws proved to be crucial down the stretch for the Blue Raiders as they ultimately held on for the victory.

Lindsey Wilson shot 44.4 percent from the floor (24-for-54).

Billie Hearn finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks while Kayla Richardson ended with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the win.

Pikeville's Khalilah Quigley led all players with 28 points. Kandice Porter added 17, Kelah Eldridge contributed 11 points and Aundrea Matchen had 10 points.

The Blue Raiders play next at 5 p.m. CT on Thursday, Feb. 5 at No. 3 Campbellsville (Ky.).