LAWRENCE, Kan. — The University of Kansas women's basketball team held off a strong challenge from Pittsburg State University as the Jayhawks defeated the Gorillas, 57-50, in an exhibition game Sunday (Nov. 5) at Allen Fieldhouse.

KU rushed out to a 10-2 lead against Pitt State and the Jayhawks still led 21-10 before the Gorillas used a 14-3 run to pull within two points, at 24-22, with 3:03 to play in the second quarter.

The Jayhawks took a 31-26 lead at the intermission and KU stretched its margin back to 15 points, 47-32, in the pivotal third quarter. Pitt State could only close within seven points down the stretch in the contest.

Brenlee McPherson led three Pitt State players in double figures with 14 points, while Madison Northcutt posted a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Mikaela Burgess added 11 points for the Gorillas, who shot just 30.6 percent from the field in the game (19-62).

Kylee Kopatich scored a game-high 18 points to lead the Jayhawks, who shot 41.3 percent from the field (19-46) and outscored the Gorillas 19-7 at the free throw line in the contest.

Pitt State will open regular season action next Friday (Nov. 10) in the MIAA/NSIC Conference Challenge at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.