Box Score
PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State University men's basketball team scored seven of the game's final 10 points to break a 53-53 tie and claim a 60-56 non-conference victory over Avila University Monday (Jan. 2) at John Lance Arena.

Isaiah Hicks made one of two free throws with 1:23 to play to give Pitt State (2-10) a 54-53 lead. Creighton Brinker added an inside basket off an inbound pass to make it a 56-53 game with 1:17 to go and Hicks added two more free throws with 13 ticks remaining.

Avila (1-12) got a guarded 3-pointer from Trey Bales to go down with six seconds left to make it a 58-56 game, but the Gorillas' Jaxon Holden sealed the victory with two free throws with 4.8 seconds remaining.

Elijah Gaines posted a double-double with a team-leading 15 points and 11 rebounds for Pitt State. Holden and Hicks added 13 points apiece. The Gorillas outscored the Eagles 15-6 at the free throw line to help overcome a 35 percent shooting night (21-60) from the field. Pitt State benefited from 18 offensive rebounds in the contest.

Devin Spencer paced AU with a game-high 16 points, while Jacob Anyieth chipped in with 11. Bales and Daniel Head added nine apiece.

The Gorillas will return to action Thursday (Jan. 4) when they resume MIAA play against Missouri Western State University at St. Joseph, Mo.