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PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Gorillas (6-10, 2-7 MIAA) had three players in double figures against Fort Hays State (16-3, 7-3 MIAA), but could not come away with the victory, falling 78-75, on Saturday afternoon.

Devon Branch scored a game-high 20 points going 7-of-16 from the field. He also pulled down six rebounds. Jake Bullard added 15 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Sam Pugh chipped in with 14.  

Fort Hays State had four players in double figures, led by Carson Konrade with 17, all of which came in the second half. In the first six minutes after intermission Konrade scored 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting.

The Tigers led by as many as 16 mid-first half, 30-14 after a 22-9 run that spanned nearly eight minutes. The Gorillas cut the lead to eight to end the half. PSU then used an 10-2 run to cut the Fort Hays State lead to 61-59 with 8:23 remaining. A three by Conner Kjer with 4:01 left gave the Gorillas a 71-70 advantage, but a three by Craig Nicholson and five consecutive free throw conversions gave the Tigers a 78-75 lead with just six seconds left. Bullard drove the length of the floor and found Branch for a chance to tie, but the contested shot was off the mark.

Pitt State wraps up their three-game home stand with a Wednesday (Jan. 29) matchup with Northeastern State. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.