Box Score

Box Score | Season Stats (html format)

PITTSBURG, Kan. -- Despite trailing most of the game, the Pitt State men's basketball team had a chance to win in the game's final seconds, but the last shot was blocked, ending the game in an 82-80 loss for the Gorillas to Nebraksa-Kearney on Wednesday night (Jan. 22) in John Lance Arena.

The Gorillas were down by five, 82-77, with 52 seconds to go. The team got the ball down the court and to Ethan Cordray, who missed his three attempt, but Jake Bullard grabbed the offensive rebound to keep the Gorillas alive. Forward Terrell Eaddy hit a three, only his second basket of the game, to bring the Gorillas within two, 82-80.

Devon Branch tied up the ball the the ensuing Lopers inbounds pass. The posession arrow went Pitt State's way, giving the home team one last chance with 20 seconds to go. The Gorillas worked the offense and Branch was able to get a shot off with 1.5 left on the clock, but the shot was blocked by UNK's Mike Dentlinger, giving the Gorillas the two-point loss.

Branch led Pitt State with 20 points. He also had five assists, two blocks and a steal. Jake Bullard added 16, along with a team-high six assists and four rebounds. Sam Pugh added 13 points on 4-for-5 shooting from three-point range. Connor Kjer led the Gorillas with five rebounds and was just under double figure points with nine.

The Lopers had three players score in double figures led by Ethan Brozek with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Connor Beranek added 21 points and Dentlinger, 19.

Kearney jumped out to an early 6-0 lead and never looked back. The Lopers led by as many as nine, 30-21, with 6:39 to go in the first half. Pitt State was able to cut that lead to four at the half, 40-36.

The Gorillas kept the Lopers in their sight all through the second half, cutting the lead to two several times, but just didn't get the push they needed to take a lead.

Pitt State will play the second of its three consecutive home games on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 3:30 p.m. against Fort Hays State.