PITTSBURG -- Donovan Franklin scored a game-high 28 points to help lead the Pittsburg State University men's basketball team to an 87-76 victory over Southwest Baptist University Wednesday (Jan. 9).

The Gorillas (11-3, 4-1 MIAA) built a 13-point first-half lead and then held off the Bearcats (8-6, 2-3 MIAA) down the stretch at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.

Franklin made just five of 14 shots from the field, but he knocked down four of six 3-point attempts and he converted 14 of 16 free throws as Pitt State outscored SBU, 19-12, at the charity stripe. He added a team-leading eight rebounds. Grant Lozoya added 18 points, five rebounds and four assists before fouling out with 3:35 to play in the contest. 

Ray Elliott added a season-high 12 points, while Trenton Clayton chipped in with 10 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots.

Karim Mouliom scored 19 points and grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds to pace the Bearcats. Quinn Nelson also scored 19, while Godfrey Rolle added 12. The Bearcats outrebounded the Gorillas, 42-36. SBU capitalized on 16 offensive rebounds to help offset a 41 percent shooting night (28-68).

The Gorillas will return to action Saturday (Jan. 12) when they host the University of Central Missouri at 3:30 p.m. (CST).