WARRENSBURG, Mo. — The Pittsburg State University women's basketball team built a 21-point cushion by halftime and the Gorillas cruised to a 78-63 victory over the University of Arkansas Fort Smith in the University of Central Missouri Classic Saturday (Nov. 18).

Athena Alvarado and Madison Northcutt both posted double-doubles to pace the Pitt State attack. Northcutt finished with game highs of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Alvarado added 14 points and 10 boards. Brenlee McPherson also added 11 points for the Gorillas, while Paige Imhoff scored nine points, dished out seven assists and added six steals.

Pitt State held UAFS (2-2) to 34.3 percent shooting (23-67) in the contest and the Gorillas forced the Lions into 20 turnovers.

Micayla Haynes and Sarah Elkins scored 10 points apiece for UAFS.

The Gorillas will wrap up action in the UCM Classic with a 2 p.m. contest against William Jewell College Sunday (Nov. 19). The Cardinals dropped a 66-56 decision to the host school, UCM, Saturday.