PITTSBURG -- Iziah James scored a career high 30 points and Quentin Hardrict Jr. flirted with a triple double in his return from injury as the Pittsburg State University men's basketball team claimed an 86-75 victory over Lincoln University Wednesday (Dec. 15) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.

The Blue Tigers (1-8, 0-4 MIAA) rushed out to a 26-13 lead against the Gorillas (3-8, 2-3 MIAA) but Pitt State chipped away at the margin and trailed by just three points, 37-34, at halftime.

The Gorillas shot 66.7 percent from the field in the second half, making 20 of 30 shots from the field as Pitt State began to pull away from Lincoln.

James connected on 12 of 16 shots, including six of nine 3-point field goals. Hardrict added 13 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in just his third game played this season thanks to an ankle injury.

Magic Reliford added a season best 10 points off the bench for the Gorillas, while Antonio Givens II chipped with eight points and nine rebounds.

Lincoln got 13 points from Destan Williams, 11 points from Josh Wallace and 10 points from Chuck Wilson.

Pitt State will return to action Saturday (Dec. 18) when the Gorillas host the University of Central Missouri at 3:30 p.m.