The University of Pikeville nearly pulled off a late comeback, but the Bears came up short in a 37-34 loss to Campbellsville over the weekend.

UPIKE looked firmly in control early, heading into halftime with a 20-9 lead. Quarterback Xavier Malone connected with Brandon Newton on a 20-yard touchdown strike to open the scoring. Kicker Isaac Smith later added a 33-yard field goal, and Marshawn Boyden capped the half with a 64-yard blocked field goal return that sent the Bears into the locker room with momentum.

The second half told a different story. Campbellsville’s Jeff Engle fired a 69-yard touchdown pass to Ronald Hazard to pull the Tigers within 20-16, and Archelaus Smith’s 1-yard run gave them the lead in the third quarter. From there, Campbellsville never trailed again.

Still, the Bears refused to go quietly. With just 28 seconds left, Amon Williams punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to bring UPIKE within three, but the Tigers held on as time expired.

Malone had a strong night despite the loss, completing 37 passes for 437 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Williams finished with 73 rushing yards and a touchdown.

The Bears will try to regroup Saturday when they host Cumberland University at 7 p.m.