Paige Rantz reporter
Pittsburg State women’s basketball team once again blew their competition out of the water with their 74-49 win over Newman University at the Weede center on Feb. 8. The Gorillas quickly took the lead, never giving the Jets a chance to be in the game.
The Gorillas played a very successful game on their side, being strong on both offense and defense and getting a chance to get many players’ hands on the ball to allow everyone playing time. All players seemed to find their groove with the right matchups for a competitive game. The Gorillas have continued to work on their defense proving that they are an all-inclusive team on both sides of the ball. This team continues to challenge themselves and is focused on moving the ball around and playing as a team.
“We took care of business on both sides of the basketball offensively and defensively, and we rotated a lot of different people in trying to get some kids in early so that they could get mentally into the game and do their job,” Head Coach, Amanda Davied said.
Junior, Savannah Cambell, had a game high of 19 points and two assists. Karena Gerber also had a successful game, ending with 13 points, Macie Mays with 12 points, and Sydney Holmes with eight points to finish the game.
Newman’s highest scoring players were Jaeden McMillin with 10 points, Layla Pierce scoring six points with two assists, and Delainey Wylie also scoring six points.
They continue their 12-game winning streak as they move on to play Missouri Western on Feb. 13. Missouri western (15-6, 10-3) is having a good season for themselves, and coming off a huge win against Central Oklahoma (93-67).
Pittsburg State men’s basketball team had a successful game as well, holding the Jets to an 86-66 win. The Gorillas managed to keep the lead throughout the game; around halftime, the Jets came back to gain the lead for a short second with the Gorillas turning the heat back on to gain their lead back and finish strong.
The first half Gorillas had some kinks to work out. The energy coming out into the second half was not great either, but they finally found their momentum and ran with the lead to finish off strong. “Every time the ball went into the net, I felt like it started to give everyone more energy,” Head Coach, Jeff Boschee, said.
It was important to keep the ball in Jordan Frison’s hands and allowing the right spacing to make baskets. The Gorillas never panicked, keeping composed even when things were not going well. What helped the Gorillas secure the win was making free throws and ensuring that the Jets couldn’t get any offensive rebounds.
“We still gave up eight offensive rebounds, but for a team that gets offensive rebounds as consistent as they do, I feel like we did good,” Boschee added. “I think the biggest thing we wanted to make sure we did was that we were tough, that’s something that we have talked about in many games, we’ve got to have toughness in everything that we do.”
Overall, once again leading and tying his game high, Jordan Frison ended with 34 points and four assists, with Evan Jackson behind him with a career high of 17 and eight rebounds. Avery Taggart contributed 12 points with a game high of seven assists.
Newman’s top scorers were Jordan Glen Hawkins for 18 points, Boston Stanton III with 15 points and 5 assists, and Deadric Fikes fishing with 12 points and one assist.
Next, the Gorillas will face rivals Missouri Western who are (15-9, 6-7) coming off a 62-92 loss against Central Oklahoma, looking for a win.