The University of Pikeville men’s basketball team is headed to the NAIA National Tournament next week in Kansas City for the 13th time in school history.
During a community watch party held on campus Wednesday evening, the Bears (23-8) were placed as a No. 4 seed after advancing to the Mid-South Conference Tournament semifinals before falling to Life (Ga.) University.
It marks the seven consecutive season Coach Kelly Wells’ program has garnered a tournament berth.
The Bears will face Talladega, Ala., in the opening round at 10 a.m. Thursday. The Tornadoes earned an at-large bid from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.
UPIKE is looking to land a second national championship, having won the tournament in 2011.