STEPHENVILLE, Texas -- E.J. Reed led three players in double figures as No. 8 Tarleton State University held on for a 65-59 victory over Pittsburg State University in the Texans Thanksgiving Classic Friday (Nov. 28).

Tarleton (4-0) overcame a five-point first-half deficit to down the Gorillas (1-4). Pitt State worked its way in front, 27-22, with 1:35 to play in the opening period, before settling for a 30-27 edge at the half.

Josiah Gustafson's 3-pointer extended the Gorillas' lead to 35-29 at the 17:41 mark of the first half, but the Texas responded with a 7-0 run to go in front, 36-35, with 16:21 to go.

Nosa Ebomwonyi's 3-pointer gave Tarleton a six-point advantage, 43-37, with 12:02 remaining. The Gorillas trimmed the margin back to one, at 43-42, before the Texans outscored Pitt State 13-5 to take control of the game. The Gorillas never got any closer than four points down the stretch.

Devon Branch scored a game-high 18 points for the Gorillas, while Gustafson added 17 points and Jake Bullard chipped in with 14 points for Pitt State.

The Gorillas will return to action in day two action of the Tarleton Thanksgiving Classic at 5 p.m. Saturday against Texas A&M-Kingsville.