PITTSBURG -- The Pitt State women's basketball team (13-4, 7-4 MIAA) put together a strong offense second half and played a complete defensive game to earn a convincing 68-45 win over rival Missouri Southern (11-6, 5-6 MIAA) on Saturday afternoon in John Lance Arena.

Mikaela Burgess led the Gorillas with 21 points, six rebounds and four steals. Cathy Brugman, Kylie Gafford  and Hadyn Herlocker each added 11 points.

After a stagnant first half that saw the Gorillas shoot only 32 percent, the team made some adjustments in the second half and lit up their offensive game. The team missed only five second half shots (16-of-21) to shoot 76.2 percent for the half.

Pitt State's defense was key in the game, as the team held Missouri Southern to only 43 points for the game. The Gorillas held the Lions to only 18 points in the first half. MSSU shot only .327 for the game, including .167 from three-point range.

The Gorillas will hit the road next week for a long road trip. The team will head east to St. Charles, Mo. to take on Lindenwood at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 21. They will stay on the road and travel to Jefferson City, Mo. to face the Lincoln Blue Tigers on Saturday, January 23 at 1:30 p.m.