Box Score | Season Stats (html)

ST. CHARLES, Mo. -- The PIttsburg State men basketball team lost a close, 90-82, contest to Lindenwood in Hyland Arena on Saturday (January 4) afternoon. 

Four players scored in double figures for the Gorillas, led by Devon Branch with 23. Sam Pugh added 17, 15 of which he scored in the first half. Jake Bullard added 13 and Josiah Gustafson, 12. Branch and Denton Hays were the top Gorilla rebounders with six a piece. 

Pitt State shot 41 percent from the floor overall, compared to 42 percent from the Lions. Pitt State won the rebounding battle, grabbing 41 rebounds to 39 for the Lions. The home team was helped greatly by almost 84 percent shooting from the charity stripe.

Lilndenwood's Darris Smith led all scorers with 26 points, 10 of those coming on 10-for-11 shooting from the free throw line. Brandon Marquardt added 13 points. Tyler Ressel had 12, 10 from the charity stripe. Garrett Reeg added 11 to round out players in double figures. Reeg also had 11 rebounds for a double-double.

The first half was close the whole way, though the Gorillas built a seven point lead early. In the middle of the half, the Lions went on a 9-0 run to take a 22-21 lead. Both teams used the three to keep the game close, as each made six threes in the first half alone. Pitt State went into the lockerroom down 48-46. 

The beginning of the second half was close, but Pitt State had several two minute or longer scoring droughts that allowed the Lions to stretch their lead. Pitt State was held without a shot from the floor from 12:02 to 4:24, though they were able to make seven free throws during the nearly eight-minute stretch. 

Pitt State will stay on the road to face Lincoln on Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. in Jefferson City, Mo.