PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State University men's basketball team used a 14-2 run to overcome an early 7-2 deficit against Missouri Southern State University and flip the scoreboard in the Gorillas favor. Pitt State would build a 14-point first-half lead en route to an 89-80 victory over the Lions Saturday (Jan. 16) at John Lance Arena.

The Gorillas (9-8, 4-7 MIAA) knocked Southern (10-7, 7-4 MIAA) out of a three-way tie atop the conference standings by shooting 60.6 percent from the field in the first half and scoring a season-high 51 points in the first 20 minutes to play.

Pitt State, up 51-39 at the break, led by double digits for most of the second half. The Lions trimmed a 14-point deficit to a seven-point margin, at 79-72, on two free throws by Taevaunn Prince with 3:41 to go.

Javis Flynn made one of two free throws with 3:03 to play and after a missed 3-pointer by the Lions' Austin Wright, Trey Starks converted two more free throws for the Gorillas for an 82-72 lead with 2:42 remaining. The Gorillas made five of six free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

Starks paced five Pitt State players in double figures with a team-leading 19 points. Dakota Jones added 16 points, while Josiah Gustafson finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. Lamine Dieng added 12 points and Denton Hays chipped in with 10.

Prince had a game-high 32 points thanks in large part to an 18 of 19 shooting day from the free throw line. The Lions overcame 45 percent shooting from the floor and 17 turnovers by converted 23 of 25 free throws in the contest.