PITTSBURG — R.J. Lawrence hit a pair of 3-pointers and scored the first seven points of the second half to help the Pittsburg State University men's basketball team to a 72-69 victory over Hastings College Friday (Nov. 29) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.

Lawrence scored all 15 of his team-leading points in the second half after being saddled on the bench in foul trouble in the opening period. His scoring helped spark the Gorillas (2-1) to a 15-0 surge to start the final 20 minutes of play, turning a 35-35 tie to a 50-35 Pitt State advantage with 14:02 to play in the game.

The visiting Broncos (5-5) made a late surge after trailing 67-51 with 4:52 to play. Hastings trimmed the margin to three, 67-64, with 40 seconds remaining, but Christian Edmondson hit a pair of free throws and R.J. Lawrence made one of two charity shots to extend the Pitt State lead back to six, 70-64, with 14 ticks to play.

Lawrence and Jah-Kobe Womack shared team-high scoring honors with 15 points apiece for the Gorillas. Marcel Cherry added 13 points while Ray Elliott also scored in double figures with 10 points. Xavier Womack scored five points and grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds. The Gorillas shot just 38.7 percent from the field in the game (24-62).

Bart Hiscock posted a double-double with a game-high 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Broncos.

Pitt State will return to action Saturday (Nov. 30) when the Gorillas host Avila University in a non-conference game at 5 p.m. (CST).