PULASKI, Tenn. - Twenty-second-ranked Faulkner (2-4) completed its three-day gauntlet run in the the Southern States Athletic Conference/Mid-South Conference Challenge this afternoon against its third straight Top 20 opponent, this time in No. 19 Pikeville (11-0). The back and forth battle culminated with the Bears knocking down a pair of free throws while holding a one-point lead with one second remaining on the clock to clinch the 69-66 decision. 

The Eagles led by as many as 13 points early and closed out a dominating first-half performance armed with a 40-29 lead.

Pikeville slowly began chipping away at its deficit five minutes into the second period, however, and by the nine-minute mark had forced the contest in to a tie at 54 points. Four minutes later, the Bears claimed a slight advantage and never relinquished control of the lead.

Pikeville was paced by Trey Rakes with 14 points. Rakes hit the game-solidifying free throws and offered up six rebounds.

Jose Jimenez led the court with 18 points for Faulkner and had seven assists while adding five rebounds.

Logan Jozwiak followed with 14 points and led the Eagles with seven boards.

Matt Maddox had 10 points and four rebounds.

The Eagles will next host Carver College at Tine Davis Gymnasium on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.