PITTSBURG — The Missouri Southern State University men's basketball team fought off a second-half comeback bid by Pittsburg State University and held on for a 71-64 victory Tuesday (Feb. 21) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.

The Lions (17-10, 11-7 MIAA) led by 11 points early in the second half before the Gorillas (5-21, 3-15 MIAA) stormed back to pull within two points, 43-41, with 14:20 remaining in the contest.

Southern countered with a 12-0 run over the next three-plus minutes to secure a 55-41 advantage on C.J. Carr's layup with 11:04 to go. Pitt State trimmed the margin back to eight points, 62-54, with 4:14 to play on Brandon Clifford's layup but the Gorillas could get no closer until the final minute of the contest.

Carr led three Southern players in double figures with 14 points. J.J. Cratit and Elyjah Clark added 13 points apiece. Lawrence Brown also chipped in with seven points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

Pitt State got a game-high 15 points from R.J. Pair, while Lucas Wilson added 11 points. Jordan Phelps and Creighton Brinker also scored in double figures with 10 points apiece, while Isaiah Hicks finished with eight points and a team-leading 10 rebounds.

The Gorillas will close out regular season action Saturday (Feb. 25) when they travel to Warrensburg, Mo., to meet the University of Central Missouri at 3:30 p.m. (CST).