ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Missouri Western State University's Caleb Bennett hit the game winning basket just ahead of the final buzzer to lift the Griffons to an 81-80 victory over the Pittsburg State University men's basketball team Saturday (Feb. 13) at the Looney Athletic Complex.

Pitt State (10-9, 10-9 MIAA) took an 81-80 lead on Martin Vogts' 3-pointer with 5.1 seconds to play, but Western (9-8, 9-8 MIAA) rushed the ball down the floor with Tyrell Carroll finding Bennett on the right baseline for the game winner.

Quentin Hardrict Jr. scored a team-leading 24 points for the Gorillas. He made eight of 10 shots from the floor and added six assists in the game. Antonio Givens II added 20 points, while Vogts chipped in with 12 points. Ryan Pippins added 10 points and seven rebounds.

Carroll led all scorers with 25 points for the Griffons, while Reese Glover added 19. Will Eames posted a double double with 12 points and a game high 17 rebounds.

The Gorillas will close out a three-game road swing next Saturday (Feb. 20) when Pitt State travels to Joplin, Mo., to battle MIAA rival Missouri Southern State University at 3:30 p.m. (CST).