MARYVILLE, Mo. -- The Pittsburg State University football team dropped a hard fought 20-19 decision to No. 2 ranked Northwest Missouri State University Saturday (Oct. 9) at Bearcat Field.

The Gorillas (4-2, 4-2 MIAA) scored the game's first 16 points before the Bearcats (5-0, 5-0 MIAA) rallied in the second half to claim a 20-19 victory.

Pitt State struck early, scoring on the game's opening possession. The Gorillas drove 83 yards in 10 plays with quarterback Mak Sexton tossing a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kaizer Newell. The Gorillas added a pair of second quarter field goals to push their lead to 13-0 as kicker Cross Holmes connected from 27 and 53 yards out.

The Pitt State defense limited the potent NWMSU offense to 73 total yards in the first 30 minutes of play, including just 33 rushing yards on 13 carries.

The Gorillas pushed their margin to 16-0 early in the third quarter, after linebacker Alex Gaskill snared a tipped ball in NWMSU territory. After the Bearcats found the end zone for the first time on a Mike Hohensee to Kaden Davis pass play, Pitt State answered with a 31-yard fied goal by Holmes for a 19-7 lead with 3:58 to play in the third quarter.

Honensee tossed two fourth quarter touchdown passes to give the Bearcat a 20-19 lead with 5:15 to play in the game and set up Pitt State's final drive. The Gorillas drove 51 yards in nine plays but Holmes' field goal attempt from 44 yards out sailed wide left and the Bearcats escaped with the win.

Sexton completed 24 of 33 passes for 258 yards in the game. Jalen Martin hauled in 13 catches for 127 yards. Tyler Adkins carried the ball 17 times for 53 yards, while Caleb Lewis added 15 touches for 46 yards.

Defensively, Brandon Mlekus made a team-leading eight tackles, while Kaden Roy was credited with six stops.

Pitt State will return home next Saturday (Oct. 16) to host Lincoln University for Homecoming at Carnie Smith Stadium.