PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State University men's basketball team used a 16-0 run midway through the second half to take control and eventually claim a 78-67 victory against Avila University Saturday (Nov. 30) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.

The Gorillas (4-1) trailed 45-37 with 16:46 to play in the game before rattling off 16 straight points to push in front by eight points, 53-45 with 11:48 to go on a basket by Dejon Waters Jr.

Avila (3-5) battled back to get within two points, 65-63, with 4:47 remainin in the contest, but Pitt State closed out the game on a 13-4 run.

Ray Elliott scored a team-leading 20 points for the Gorillas. He flirted with a double-double, adding nine rebounds in the contest. Jah-Kobe Womack chipped in with 16 points, while Xavier Womack added nine points and 10 rebounds. Christian Edmonson also finished with seven points and a team-leading 12 rebounds for Pitt State.

The Gorillas overcame a 33.9 percent shooting night (20-59) by outscoring the Eagles, 29-5, at the free throw line. Pitt State converted 29 of 40 charity attempts as Avila was whistled for 27 personal fouls in the game. The Gorillas also benefited from 18 offensive rebounds.

Pitt State will open MIAA play Tuesday (Dec. 3) when the Gorillas travel to Joplin, Mo., to take on Missouri Southern State University at 7:30 p.m. (CST).