PITTSBURG -- The Pittsburg State University women's basketball team scored 18 of the game's first 19 points and never looked back in cruising to a 79-39 victory over the University of Sioux Falls in the first round of the NCAA Division II Central Regional Friday (Mar. 11) at John Lance Arena.

The No. 2 seed Gorillas (27-5) advance to the regional semifinals Saturday (Mar. 12) to face sixth-seeded Arkansas Tech University. The Golden Suns (27-3) knocked off No. 3 seed Missouri Western State University, 81-80, Friday.

Cathy Brugman led a balanced Pitt State offensive attack with 14 points. Brugman made six of 11 shots from the field as the Gorillas converted 48 percent of their attempts, including 11 of 19 (.579) 3-point field goals.

Kyle Gafford added 13 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots, while Brenlee McPherson also scored in double figures with 10 points. Mikaela Burgess and Shelby Lopez added nine points apiece, while Paige Lungwitz chipped in with eight points. Madison Northcutt scored six points and pulled down a game-high nine rebounds.

USF (27-6) shot just 25.5 percent from the field in the contest, making 12 of 47 attempts. Sam Knecht and Mary Malloy finished with a team-leading 12 points apiece.