KEARNEY, Neb. -- The Pitt State women's basketball team used an explosive fourth quarter to secure a 65-58 win over Nebraksa-Kearney on the road on Monday (January 4). The Gorillas improve to 11-3 on the season and 5-3 in MIAA. UNK goes to 6-7 and 2-5.

Pitt State trailed by five, 39-44, at the start of the fourth quarter. The team made six free throws to stay in the game, but didn't hit a shot from the floor until a Kylie Gafford layup with 7:16 to go. That shot sparked a 12-4 run that gave Pitt State the lead. A jumper by Paige Lungwitz with 4:20 to go gave Pitt State its first lead since the 3:30 mark in the first quarter.

There were two more ties before a Gafford layup sealed the Gorilla lead for good with 2:52 to go. Though Kearney would bring the game within one, the Gorillas were a perfect 16-for-16 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

Gafford led all players  with 19 points. Paige Lungwitz added a crucial 12 points, nine of which came in the second half. She also led the Gorillas with six rebounds. Cathy Brugman put in 10 points for the Gorillas. Hadyn Herlocker and Mikaela Burgess also each contributed eight.

McKenzie Brown led the Lopers with 14 points, while Bri Starks scored 12.

Pitt State will return home and will take on Central Missouri at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 7 in John Lance Arena.