Kelly Wells became the all-time basketball wins leader at the University of Pikeville as his team dismantled visiting Bob Jones (S.C.) 77-53 on Friday night at the East Ky. Expo Center.

Former women’s basketball coach Bill Watson held the record, leading the Bears to 242 wins in his 16 seasons, before Wells grabbed win number 243 against the Bruins in his 11th season at the helm.

Wells commented on the milestone win by saying, “Our job as coaches is to put people where they can be successful and I could go on all day about the amount of people I need to thank. Keeping up with and getting to talk to all the former players, those are the coaching paychecks I look for. This record will be a ball that goes on my shelf, but the memories behind it are those guys that performed in the games.”

Watson also weighed in, adding, “Kelly Wells is one of the classiest people I’ve ever known, and it’s no surprise that he has broken my record for wins at UPIKE. My time in Pikeville was a very special part of my life and I know deep down I will always be a Bear. I congratulate Coach Wells on his accomplishment and wish him and his program nothing but the best.”

UPIKE is currently 12-3 and ranked #14 in the country. The Bears will take the court next against Florida National on Dec. 28 in Hialeah, Fla.