Box Score
PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State University men's basketball team outscored visiting Northeastern State University, 22-11, over the final 6:53 to break open a four-point game and claim a 69-54 victory in first-round action of the MIAA Postseason Tournament Monday (Mar. 2) at John Lance Arena.

The fifth-seeded Gorillas (17-11) advance to the quarterfinals to face No. 4 seed Lindenwood University Thursday (Mar. 5) at 2:15 p.m. (CST) at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. The 12th-seeded RiverHawks saw their season end with a 7-20 overall record.

Devon Branch and Trey Starks scored 13 points apiece to pace a balanced Pitt State attack. The duo combined to make eight of 11 shots from the field as the Gorillas shot 45.7 percent overall (21 of 46) as a team.

Josiah Gustafson added 11 points, while Dakota Jones also reached double figures with 10. Conner Kjer and Javin Flynn added eight points apiece, while Denton Hays came off the bench to contribute six points and a game-high 11 rebounds and three blocked shots.

The Gorillas made 23 of 31 free throws in the contest, outscoring the RiverHawks, 23-11, at the foul line.

Demone Harrison had a team-leading 13 points for NSU, while Montre' Williams added 10 points. Amir Gilliam added four points, nine rebounds and six assists for the RiverHawks.