PITTSBURG -- Newcomers Tyler Hawkins and Magic Reliford combined for 27 points to help spark the Pittsburg State University men's basketball team to an 82-75 exhibition game victory over Avila University Friday (Oct. 29) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.

Hawkins, a junior transfer from Brookdale (N.J.) Community College, led the Gorillas with 17 points on seven of eight shooting from the field. Reliford, a sophomore from Neosho Community College, chipped in with 10 points.

Pitt State shot 49.2 percent from the field in the contest, converting 29 of 59 shots from the floor. 

Cameron Huefner added 13 points for the Gorillas, while Zach Burch and R.J. Forney finished with nine apiece. Quentin Hardrict Jr. scored four points and dished out a game high nine assists.

Avila got a game high 24 points from Tyree King, while Adam Barbieri and Trey Heinrich added 13 apiece.

Pitt State will travel to Manhattan, Kan., next Thursday (Nov. 4) to face Kansas State University in an exhibition game at Bramlage Coliseum.