Gorilla Men Strike Early in Lopsided Win Over RiverHawks - KOAM TV 7

Gorilla Men Strike Early in Lopsided Win Over RiverHawks

PITTSBURG -- Pittsburg State rushed out to a 25-7 lead and never looked back en route to a lopsided 89-59 victory over Northeastern State Saturday (Feb. 16) at John Lance Arena.

The Gorillas (15-7, 9-5 MIAA) shot 70.4 percent from the field in the first half, making 19 of 26 shots and building a 50-31 halftime advantage over the RiverHawks (17-7, 10-6 MIAA).

NSU never got any closer than 17 points of Pitt State in the second half.

Marky Nolen led a balanced Pitt State attack with a career-high 22 points on eight of 10 shooting. He hit four of the Gorillas' nine 3-pointers and added four steals as Pitt State forced the RiverHawks into 18 turnovers in the contest.

JaVon McGee returned to the Gorillas' lineup after missing four games with a separated left shoulder. He posted a double-double in his return, tallying 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Rico Pierrevilus added 18 points and nine rebounds for the Gorillas while Kaleb Porter contributed 15 points, six rebounds and a season-high eight assists.

Bryton Hobbs scored a team-leading 15 points for the RIverHawks, while Jermaine Bransford scored all 12 of his points in the second half after being saddled with early foul trouble in the opening period.

The Gorillas will travel to Emporia, Kan., Wednesday (Feb. 20) to face Emporia State University at 5:30 p.m. (CST) at William L. White Auditorium.