KOAM TV 7 Joplin and PittsburgNo. 16 Gorillas Weather Storm at UCM to Win, 72-67

No. 16 Gorillas Weather Storm at UCM to Win, 72-67

WARRENSBURG, Mo. — Senior Brooke Conley recorded a career-high 27 points in a winning effort Saturday (Jan. 28) as the No. 16 Gorillas brought Central Missouri's six-game winning streak to a halt in a 72-67 decision at the Multipurpose Building.

Brooke Conley's 27 points led the three Gorillas scoring in double figures. Drew Roberts recorded 16 points while shooting an impressive 4-of-7 (.571) from behind the arc. Alexa Bordewick chipped in with 10 points. Lizzy Jeronimus put together a solid performance as well, adding six points, a team-high seven rebounds and four assists.

Conley's 3-pointer from the corner with 9:36 to play gave the Gorillas their first lead since the 8:58 mark in the first half, at 54-52. Two possessions later, Hailey Roderique drove the baseline and found Conley spotting up for another trey in the corner with 8:19 remaining, giving the Gorillas a 59-52 advantage.

After Central put together a 9-0 run of its own, the sides traded scores almost exclusively the rest of the way.

A Conley free throw tied the game at 67 with 1:44 to play. Then, Amanda Orloske made the second of her two free throws to give the Gorillas a 68-67 lead with 58 seconds remaining.

After driving to her left, Jeronimus drew a shooting foul with 24 seconds left and made them both giving the gorillas a 70-67 lead. Smothering Gorilla defense on the ensuing Jennie possession resulted in a steal for Roberts and a foul by UCM with 6.5 seconds in the game. Roberts swished both free throws for the final 72-67 margin.

The Gorillas were able to reach the bonus with 11:35 left in the game which proved to be extremely costly for Central Missouri. Pittsburg State made them pay by hitting 17 second half free throws after only attempting two shots from the charity stripe in the first half.

Saraethea Brown was the leading scorer for central with 19 points. Nicole Caddell added 15 points and a team high seven rebounds. Alyssa Rhodes also reached double figures for the Jennies adding 12 points and six boards.

As a team the Gorillas shot .362 (21-58) from the field, including .355 (11-31) from behind the arc. PSU finished .760 (19-25) from the free-throw line. Larissa Richards missed her third straight game with an injury and the Gorillas missed her presence on the glass. Central Missouri out rebounded the Gorillas 39-33. Pitt State attempted a season high 31 three pointers. Including a career high 11 by Conley.

The Gorillas now get to return to the comfy confines of John Lance Arena for a two-game home stand. Wednesday (Feb. 1) PSU will take on the Southwest Baptist Bearcats at 5:30 p.m. Northwest Missouri will come to town for a Saturday (Feb. 4) afternoon matchup, with tip-off set for 1:30 p.m. (CST).