UPIKE looked poised for its first win of the season Saturday night, but a second-half surge from Cumberland University spoiled the Bears’ home opener in a 21-17 loss at the W.C. Hambley Athletics Complex.

The Bears struck first when Amon Williams powered into the end zone on a 3-yard run late in the first quarter. Isaac Smith extended the lead to 10-0 midway through the second with a 20-yard field goal.

Momentum carried into the second half as Xavier Malone capped a drive with a 1-yard score, giving UPIKE a 17-0 advantage with 9:16 left in the third quarter.

But the Phoenix roared back. Quarterback Jaylen Abston connected with Isaiah O’Neal on a 66-yard strike to break the shutout. Just minutes later, Tyreke Boyd blocked a UPIKE punt, allowing Cannon Johnson to scoop it up at the 3-yard line and punch in a momentum-swinging touchdown.

Cumberland sealed the comeback early in the fourth quarter when Jacob Cornejo rushed in from 3 yards out, handing UPIKE its third straight loss.

Now 0-3, the Bears will look to regroup Saturday on the road at Maryville University, with kickoff set for 1 p.m.