It was the second week in a row that Pitt State basketball won a game and dropped one in the same week as they hosted the final two home games of the season. The Gorillas now sit 15-12 in the season, sitting on the edge of the MIAA tournament.
The week started on a Thursday night, as the Gorillas hosted the Nebraska Kearney Lopers. Pitt State held a 41-35 lead at halftime and was able to build on that for an 86-70 win over the Lopers. The Gorillas shot 51.8 percent from the field in the game, making 29 of 56 attempts. Pitt State also generated 21 points at the foul line, converting 21 of 27 charity shots.
Freshman Mason English led all scorers with 25 points in the game, while fellow freshman Ethan Sage posted his second double-double of the season with 18 points and a season-best 14 rebounds. Sophomore David Cobin Jr. also scored a career-high 14 points and fellow sophomore Alijah Curry added 12 points. English also totaled seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals.
Pitt State then prepared to face the Fort Hays Tigers on Saturday, ultimately falling 56-65. The Gorillas only trailed by nine points, 31-22, at halftime, and were even able to take a one-point lead twice in the second half, including one with just six and a half minutes to go. It would prove to be for naught, as the Tigers went on a run late to close out the game, and the Gorillas were unable to keep pace.
Redshirt junior Donald Coats and English paced the Gorillas with 12 points apiece, while Curry added 10 points. Coats posted his second double-double of the season by adding 13 rebounds to his scoring total. Junior Connor Rogers chipped in with nine points, while redshirt junior Hayden Shanks finished with eight.
Despite the close loss, Pitt State has clinched a position in the MIAA tournament, although they currently sit as the last seed. The final two games will be a tough test for Pitt State, as they play #3 ranked Washburn, currently at 16-1 in the MIAA Conference, followed by another road game against Central Missouri, sitting 12-5 in second place in the MIAA Conference. More than likely, Pitt State will end up playing one of these two teams in the MIAA tournament, so this will be a good matchup for the Gorillas to test their mettle.
The MIAA tournament will take place in Kansas City, MO, at the Municipal Auditorium.