MARYVILLE, Mo. -- Justin Pitts and Xavier Kurth combined for 40 points to lead No. 1 ranked Northwest Missouri State University to a 77-50 victory over the Pittsburg State University men's basketball team Saturday (Jan. 7) at Bearcat Arena.

Pitts scored a game-high 22 points on eight of 15 shooting, while Kurth chipped in with 18 points to lead the unbeaten Bearcats (14-0, 6-0 MIAA). Northwest built a 40-25 halftime advantage against the Gorillas (3-11, 1-5 MIAA) and never looked back.

Pitt State got a team-leading 13 points from Elijah Gaines and 10 more from Isaiah Hicks. Christian Edmondson added seven points off the bench for the Gorillas, who were limited to 40 percent shooting (20-49) and forced into 20 turnovers.

Pitt State will return to action next Thursday (Jan. 12) by hosting MIAA rival Lincoln University at 7:30 p.m. (CST) at John Lance Arena.