FOX 14 TV Joplin and Pittsburg News Weather Sports |Gorillas Pull Away Against Hornets, 61-44

Gorillas Pull Away Against Hornets, 61-44

PITTSBURG — Pittsburg State (14-11, 10-8) used an all-around effort to beat Emporia State (8-14, 4-13) on Wednesday (Feb. 15) in John Lance Arena. The Gorillas put together a strong first-half finish that carried over into the second half to earn the 61-44 victory. 

Eric Ray led the balanced Gorilla scoring attack with 12 points in a 5-of-7 shooting performance. JaVon McGee recorded 11 points and seven rebounds while coming off the bench. Andra Bailey recorded a game-high 12 rebounds to go along with eight points. Rico Pierrevilus, Sam Pugh and Marky Nolen each recorded six points.

Pittsburg State led 32-25 at halftime.

After two free throws by Ian Ponds the Gorillas put together an 18-3 run that was capped when Pugh found Ray in transition for a slam-dunk. That gave Pitt State their largest lead of 25 with 5:35 to play.

Emporia State was led in scoring by Chris Sights who finished with a game-high 13 points and added eight rebounds.

For the game, PSU shot .481 (25-52) from the field, .429 (6-14) from three-point territory and .727 (16-22) from the charity stripe. Pitt State forced Emporia into 17 turnovers while only committing seven. The two sides matched each other with 35 rebounds.

The Gorillas only gave up 19 second half points as they held the Hornets to .356 (16-45) from the field, .308 (4-13) from behind the arc and .615 (8-13) from the free throw line for the game.

The Gorillas will head to Topeka, Kan. to take on Washburn Saturday (Feb. 19) for a 3:30 (CST) matchup.