JOPLIN -- The Pitt State men's basketball team suffered an 88-70 loss to Missouri Southern on Saturday (Feb. 4) in Leggett & Platt Athletic Center. 

Jordan Phelps scored 19 points in his first start for the Gorillas. R.J. Pair added 16. Creighton Brinker and Isaiah Hicks each pulled down six rebounds to lead Pitt State.

The first half was back and forth with six ties and seven lead changes. The Gorillas led by as many as eight and were able to hold the lead for over 12 minutes in the half. The game was tied 39-39 at the half.

Pitt State's first points in the second half didn't come until Brandon Clifford made two free throws with 17:15 to go.  During those first three minutes, Missouri Southern was able to take a nine-point lead. Runs of 7-0 and 9-0 gave the Lions an 18-point cushion, 74-56, with just over seven minutes left in the game. The Gorillas never got closer than 16 after that point.

Pitt State will host Central Missouri in John Lance Arena at 7:30 on Wednesday (Feb. 8).