Men's Basketball | 1/14/2016 9:30:00 PM

Box Score RIO GRANDE, Ohio — In the latest NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll (January 12) WVU Tech was included as receiving votes and the University of Rio Grande came in at No. 20, but Thursday evening the Golden Bears upset the RedStorm in a KIAC match-up, 88-85.

The Gold and Blue are now 12-6, 4-1 (KIAC) this season while Rio holds a record of 14-5, 4-1 (KIAC).

Sophomore Ryan Atkins enjoyed a career-high 38 points that led all scorers in the match-up. The guard was 12-for-24 from the field while shooting an efficient 14-for-15 from the foul line. Atkins also led the team in rebounds (8) and assists (4). He is currently ranked No. 18 in points per game (21.813) in the Nation (NAIA DII) and No. 2 in the conference (KIAC).

Senior Eddie Gordon posted 16 points while sophomore Juwuan Wilson had 11 points for the Golden Bears. Wilson also pulled down four boards.

Tech came out strong in the first half, holding on to a lead of 50-35 as they headed into halftime. The RedStorm battled in the last 20 minutes, outscoring WVU Tech 50-38 but, clutch free throws by Atkins and Gordon down the stretch allowed Tech to grab the conference win.

The teams were almost even on shooting from the field with Tech going 30-for-66 (45.5 percent) and Rio shooting 28-for-64 (43.8 percent).

Rio Grande was led by D. D. Joiner who had 19 points.

The team will return to the hardwood Saturday, January 16 for another KIAC contest when they head to Ohio Christian University for a 3 p.m. start.