PITTSBURG — Washburn University opened the second half on a 13-3 run to break open a tie game en route to a 76-63 victory over the Pittsburg State University men's basketball team Wednesday (Dec. 16) at John Lance Arena.

The Gorillas (7-4, 2-3 MIAA) dropped their third straight decision after starting the season 7-1 and debuting at No. 25 in the D2SIDA NCAA Division II Top 25 poll. The Ichabods improved to 7-2 overall and 3-1 in the MIAA.

After falling behind 10 points, 42-32, with 17:42 to play in the contest, Pitt State whittled away at the deficit and pulled within a point, 55-54, on a pair of free throws by Josiah Gustafson with 9:30 to go.

The Ichabods countered by outscoring the Gorillas 14-2 over the next four minutes, building back a 69-56 advantage with 5:51 remaining.

Gustafson paced the Gorillas with 14 points, while Dakota Jones finished the night with 11 points.

Washburn got a game-high 26 points from Cameron Wiggins and 19 more from Javion Blake.

Pitt State will return to action Saturday (Dec. 19) when the Gorillas play host to Emporia State University at 3:30 p.m. (CST). The Hornets dropped a 78-73 road decision to Missouri Southern State University Wednesday at Joplin, Mo.