David Sheets reporter
The Pitt State men’s basketball team secured two crucial victories this past weekend against the Missouri Western State Griffons and Northwest Missouri State Bearcats, extending their win streak to five games while improving their overall season record to 15-9, with a 11-4 record in MIAA play.
Against the Griffons, Pitt State would go on a dominant 14-3 run in the final six minutes to turn what was a close game into a 71-61 win. Redshirt junior, Tanner Mans, led the team in scoring with thirteen points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals while playing 36 minutes and providing key defensive stops. Sophomore, Jordan Frison, continued his strong play, contributing twelve points, two rebounds, and a team high, five assists in 37 minutes. All of this took place while maintaining control of the offense. Graduate student Avery Taggart matched Frison’s scoring total with 12 points while going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line and adding three assists. Off the bench, redshirt freshman Evan Jackson delivered with 11 points, seven rebounds, and a steal in 21 minutes, providing valuable energy and rebounding in critical moments.
A few nights later, Pitt State faced off against Northwest Missouri State. The Bearcats have won the past 17 games against the Pitt State. However, the Gorillas flipped the script, securing an 89-77 win and snapping their losing streak against the Bearcats. Frison was at the center of Pitt State’s success, leading the team with 18 points on an efficient eight of eleven shooting. The Gorillas as a whole would shoot 64.7 percent from the floor throughout the game. He also filled the stat sheet with four rebounds, eight assists, a block, and a steal in 36 minutes. His ability to control the pace and create scoring opportunities helped Pitt State maintain an offensive rhythm throughout the game. Taggart continued to be a steady presence, finishing with 16 points while adding a rebound and three assists in 36 minutes.
Redshirt senior, R.J. Forney Jr., played a role in the victory, contributing 14 points, six rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal in 34 minutes. His ability to battle in the paint and provide defensive stops was key in slowing down Northwest Missouri’s offense. Junior, Tane Prictor, made a significant impact in limited minutes, scoring 12 points and grabbing four rebounds in just 15 minutes of action. The Gorillas built a lead in the first half and responded to every Bearcat push with timely baskets and defensive stops. The victory marked a turning point for the Gorillas, proving their ability to compete with top teams in the conference. Snapping the 17-game losing streak against Northwest Missouri not only boosts confidence but also strengthens Pitt State’s standing in the MIAA as they continue their push toward postseason play.
The Pitt State men’s basketball team play their final two away games of the season against the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. and the Fort Hays State Tigers on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 4:00 p.m.