BLUEFIELD, Va. – Bluefield University men's basketball turned in a strong effort against No. 13-ranked Pikeville Wednesday night, but the visiting Bears used a decisive second-half run to secure a 78–67 victory inside the Dome.

The Rams opened the game with energy and confidence against the nationally ranked opponent. DJ McDonald set the tone early, scoring inside and finishing through contact as Bluefield built a six-point lead midway through the first half. Ke'Shaun Tonsall knocked down a three-pointer during a key stretch, and Danny Alford controlled the paint with multiple rebounds and second-chance opportunities.

BU shot nearly 49 percent from the field in the first half and carried a 36–33 advantage into the final minute before Pikeville closed the half with a late three-pointer to take a narrow 38–36 lead at the break.

The second half featured several momentum swings. Tonsall scored early to trim the deficit to one, and Lenair Young buried a three at the 14:36 mark to pull the Rams within three. McDonald continued his outstanding night with multiple finishes in the lane, keeping Bluefield within striking distance as the game entered the final 10 minutes.

Pikeville, however, found its rhythm from beyond the arc, shooting 58 percent from three in the second half. A 13–2 run midway through the period pushed the Bears' lead into double digits. BU continued to battle behind McDonald's interior scoring and a late three from Tyler Suber that cut the deficit to nine with 2:40 remaining, but the Rams were unable to get closer down the stretch.

McDonald delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, leading BU with a career-best 27 points on an efficient 13-of-17 shooting while adding six rebounds. Tonsall finished with 12 points and four rebounds, while Shaft Clark added nine points and seven boards. Alford contributed eight points and nine rebounds, and Suber chipped in four points off the bench.

Bluefield returns to action Saturday, traveling to Montreat for a 4:00 p.m. tipoff.