JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Maurice Mason made two free throws with 12 seconds remaining in regulation to seal a 75-70 victory for the Lincoln University men's basketball team over Pittsburg State University Thursday (Jan. 11).
 
The Gorillas (9-7, 2-5 MIAA), playing without starters Donovan Franklin and Jaxon Holden, used a 19-2 run that extended over the final three-plus minutes of the first half and the first four-plus minutes of the second half to turn a 10-point deficit into a seven-point lead.
 
Xavier's Adams layup capped the extended run, giving Pitt State a 46-39 edge with 15:36 to play in the game.
 
The Gorillas led by as many as eight points, 56-48, with 10:59 to play, but the Blue Tigers (8-8, 2-5 MIAA) scored seven straight points to make it a one-point game, 56-55, with 9:26 to go.
 
Pitt State led 65-63 with 4:20 to play, but LU got back-to-back 3-pointers from Mason and Amariontez Ivory to go up 69-65 at the 3:28 mark.
 
Adams, who scored a game-high 24 points, made an inside basket with 54 seconds remaining that drew the Gorillas within two points, 72-70, but the Blue Tigers got one of two free throws from Marquise Williams with 25 seconds remaining.
 
After Pitt State's Grant Lozoya missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer, Mason sealed the win with two free throws with 12 seconds to play.
 
Adams posted his sixth double double of the season with 24 points and 13 rebounds to pace the Gorillas. Demetrius Levarity added 14 points and Lozoya finished with 11.
 
Franklin missed the game with an ankle injury, while Holden missed a third straight contest due to illness.
 
The Blue Tigers got 19 points from Terrance Smith and 18 more from Mason. Ivory also chipped in with 14.
 
Pitt State will return to action Saturday (Jan. 13) when the Gorillas travel to St. Charles, Mo., to battle Lindenwood University at 3:30 p.m. (CST).