Box Score ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Pitt State junior Javis Flynn hit a fall away jumper from the left side of the free throw line as time expired to help the Gorillas to a 63-61 win over Missouri Western on Saturday (January 10) afternoon. He finished the game with 11 points as the Gorillas improved to 8-6 overall and 4-2 in the MIAA.
Missouri Western overcame a double digit PItt State half time lead with several small second half runs to tie the game at 57-57 with just under two minutes to go. The two teams traded free throws, then layups and the game was tied with just 22 seconds on the clock. The Gorillas hung on for the last shot as the Griffons were in their faces on defense. the seconds rolled off the clock and it didn't look like Pitt State was going to be able to get the shot off, but Flynn got the ball from Kjer, dribbled once and knocked down the game winner.
Josiah Gustafson led the Gorillas with 16 points. Lamine Dieg was also in double figures with 10. Devon Branch was just under double figures with 10. Flynn led the team with three assists and five steals. Kjer was the rebounding leader with 6.
With Missouri Western leading 6-8 early in the game, the Gorillas went on a an 11-0 run, started by a three by Devon Branch as the shot clock expired. Missouri Western answered with an 8-0 lead to come within one, 17-16. The Gorillas replied with another 10-0 run to go up by 11 with 3:35 remaining in the half. Pitt State did not let the Griffons any closer than nine and headed into the lockerroom with a 32-21 lead.
Missouri Western shot only 28 percent in the first half, while the Gorillas shot 60 percent (12-20). The Griffons improved to almost 54 percent shooting in the second half. Pitt State shot 52 percent in the second half to finish with 56 percent for the game. The Gorillas knocked down only two threes in the game, while Missouri Western made 11.
The Gorillas return home on Wednesday (Jan. 14) for a 7:30 p.m. tip against Emporia State. It is Alzheimer's Awareness Night and fans are asked to donate old iPods for use by patients suffering from the disease to help with memory. It is also Heroes vs. Villains night in the Gorilla Student Section.
