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PSU Women's Basketball Sets School Record With 23rd Win

PITTSBURG -- Though scoring its second lowest point total this season, the No. 8 Pittsburg State Women's Basketball team defeated No. 20 Emporia State, 49-42, on Wednesday (Feb. 15) in John Lance Arena. The win was the 23rd of the season, setting a new school record for wins.

The previous record for wins in a season was 22, set by the 1981-82, 1991-92 and 1994-95 teams.

The 42 points by Emporia State was the fewest points Pitt State has held an opponent to this season. The Gorillas held the Lady Hornets to 27 percent shooting from the floor and 20 percent from three-point range.

After being down 24-20 at the half, Pitt State put forward a strong defensive effort in the second half. The Gorillas held ESU to only 18 points on 7-for-33 shooting overall, including 0-for-5 from three-point range. The Lady Hornets went to the line only eight times in the game, making six charity shots.

After hitting only 7-of-27 shots in the first half, Pitt State was 9-of-21 in the second half and 3-for-7 from three point range to finish with a .333 shooting percentage for the game.

Lizzy Jeronimus led the Gorillas with 12 points. She also added four rebounds, four assists and a block. Larissa Richards added a double-double, her seventh of the season, with 10 points and 10 rebounds. She also tied her career-high with seven blocks. Drew Roberts was a perfect 3-for-3 from three-point range for nine points. Brooke Conley added eight points and eight rebounds. Courtney Tate came off the bench to set a new season high with five steals.

Emporia State's Merissa Quick led all players with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Heather Robben added 11.

The turning point in the game came midway through the second half. Brooke Conley got the crowd of over 2,000 on their feet as she tied the game at 32-32 with 12 minutes remaining. After a Pitt State foul and two free throws by Robben, Jeronimus pulled up on the other end to hit a jumper to tie the game again. A turnover by Emporia State led to a huge three by Amanda Orloske that gave the Gorillas their first lead since the 4:43 mark in the first half.

From there Pitt State never looked back and built their lead to eight, 48-40, on free throws by Jeronimus.

Pitt State has another crucial game on the schedule on Saturday as they travel to Topeka, Kan. to take on No. 15 Washburn. Washburn is one of the only two teams to beat the Gorillas this season, as the Lady Blues won the previous meeting in Pittsburg, 65-51, on January 11. Saturday's game will tip off at 1:07 p.m. as it will be televised by MIAA-TV. It will air locally in Pittsburg on channel 22.