KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Upper Iowa University men's basketball team used a 26-9 run midway through the second half to overcome a five-point deficit en route to a 73-62 win over Pittsburg State University Friday (Nov. 8) in the Central Region Challenge at Municipal Auditorium.

Christian Edmondson posted a double-double with 19 points and a career-high 18 rebounds to lead the Gorillas (0-1). Edmondson made eight of 11 shots from the field to help Pitt State overcome a 39.1 percent shooting night overall (25-64). Edmondson snared seven offensive rebounds and added a career-best five blocked shots.

R.J. Lawrence added 16 points in the contest. Ray Elliott chipped in with nine points, while Dejon Waters Jr. finished with eight points.

Jareese Williams led four Upper Iowa players in double figures with 17 points. Jake Hilmer (12), Jackson Joens (10) and Dylan Jones (10) also reached double digits in the game.

Pitt State will wrap up action in the two-day classic format tournament with a 4:30 p.m. (CST) match-up against the University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) Saturday (Nov. 9).