PITTSBURG — The Southwest Baptist University men's basketball team shot 59.3 percent from the field in the game, pulling away in the second half for an 83-71 road victory over Pittsburg State University Saturday (Jan. 9) at John Lance Arena.

The visiting Bearcats (8-8, 3-5 MIAA) led 38-36 at halftime against the Gorillas (8-8, 3-7 MIAA), but SBU scored 15 of the first 22 points in the second half to build a nine-point margin, 53-44, with 14:15 remaining in the game. Pitt State could never get any closer than seven points of the Bearcats the rest of the way.

Josiah Gustafson had a game-high 19 points and nine rebounds to lead the Gorillas, while Lamine Dieng (14), Trey Starks (14) and Javis Flynn (13) also scored in double figures.

Kai Woodfall led five SBU players in double figures with a team-leading 17 points. Kalehl Brown (14), Brian Patterson (12), Logan Hovey (10) and Cartier Dean (10) also made double digits.

The Gorillas will return to action next Saturday (Jan. 16) when they host MIAA rival Missouri Southern State University at 3:30 p.m. (CST).