Fort Hays State Snaps Pitt State Winning Streak - KOAM TV 7

Fort Hays State Snaps Pitt State Winning Streak

PITTSBURG, Kan. -- Pittsburg State had their four game winning streak snapped after a 66-76 loss against Fort Hays State Saturday (Jan.14), in John Lance Arena. The Tigers found their shot in the second half and pulled away after trailing at the intermission.

Pitt State (10-6, 6-4 MIAA) saw its one-point halftime lead vanish in the second half as Fort Hays State pulled away. The Tigers led by double figures for most of the second half, but the Gorillas managed to cut the lead to nine points after a pair of free throws from Eric Ray with 1:43 remaining.

A steal and fast break lay up by Marky Nolen cut the lead to seven with 1:29 left to play. Two Eric Ray free throws and a late Adrian Herrera 3-point jumper helped Pittsburg State keep the scoring close. However, the comeback bid fell short as the lack of time forced the Gorillas to foul the rest of the way and take their chances sending the Tigers to the line where Fort Hays hit their final 12 attempts.

Eric Ray led the Gorillas with 14 points. JaVon McGee scored 11 and also added nine rebounds. Andra Bailey recorded a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

As a team, Pittsburg State shot .411 (23-56) from the field, .267 (4-15) from beyond the arc, and .727 (16-22) from the foul line.

Moses Dayee led all scorers with 19 points for the Fort Hays State. Tyrone Phillips (15), Karron McKenzie (13) and Kendrick Morse (12) all scored in double figures for the Tigers.

The Tigers shot .571 (24-42) from the field, .444 (8-18) from behind the arc, and .800 (20-25) from the charity stripe. Fort Hays State shot 68.2 percent from the floor in the second half (15-22).

Pitt State will return to action Wednesday (Jan. 18), traveling to Tahlequah, Okla. for an 8 p.m. (CST) tipoff against future MIAA memberNortheastern State.