PITTSBURG — Josiah Gustafson led a balanced Pittsburg State University offensive attack as the Gorillas pulled away in the second half for a 77-63 victory over Fort Hays State University Saturday (Feb. 14) at John Lance Arena.

Gustafson scored 12 of his game-high 16 points in the second stanza as Pitt State (15-8, 11-4 MIAA erased a three-point deficit against FHSU (15-9, 8-7 MIAA) with a 17-5 run that put the Gorillas in control of the game with 8:47 to go.

Trevor Gregory added 15 points for the Gorillas, while Trey Starks (12) and Dakota Jones (11) also scored in double figures. Pitt State shot 47.9 percent from the field on 23 of 48 shooting and the Gorillas outscored the Tigers, 26-10, at the free throw line in the contest. Pitt State players combined to convert 26 of 27 charity shots overall.

James Fleming had a team-leading 15 points for the Tigers, while Achoki Moikobu had 14 and Dom Samac added 13.

The Gorillas climbed into a tie for second place in the MIAA standings with Northwest Missouri State University (18-5, 11-4) thanks to the win and the University of Central Missouri's 58-53 victory over Lindenwood University (16-9, 11-5 MIAA). The Mules (21-4, 12-4 MIAA) lead the Gorillas and Bearcats by a half-game in the standings.

Pitt State will return to action Wednesday (Feb. 18) when the Gorillas play host to Northeastern State University at 7:30 p.m.