Kansas City, Mo. – The Pittsburg State University men's basketball team drops its first game of the 2021-2022 season to Winona State University at the Central Region Challenge, 79-68.

An early surge by the Warriors put the Gorillas in an early 19-3 hole to start the game. After maintaining a 13 point lead throughout the first half the Warriors would go into halftime with a 41-25 lead.

Two quick three pointers out of halftime would give Winona a 22 point lead over the Gorillas two minutes into the second half. A late surge in the second half would put the Gorillas within 11 of the Warriors but ultimately the clock would read zero with the Warriors on top 79-68.

Three Gorillas would score in double digits against the Warriors. Grad student Iziah James would lead the way with 16 points on 4-8 from the field. Freshman Cameron Huefner notched 13 points and four rebounds. And grad student Ryan Pippins would score 10 points and grab nine rebounds on the day.

The Gorillas will have a day off Saturday to come back and take on Upper Iowa on Sunday (Nov 14) in the final day of the Central Region Challenge.