PITTSBURG -- The Pittsburg State University men's basketball team couldn't overcome a cold shooting first half in the Gorillas 60-54 loss to Northeastern State University Thursday (Jan. 27) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.

Pitt State (4-15, 3-10) converted just four of 28 shots from the floor in the first 20 minutes of play and NSU (10-9, 5-8 MIAA) took advantage for a 32-15 halftime lead.

The Gorillas battled back to get as close as three points of the RiverHawks down the stretch, but Pitt State could get no closer.

Ryan Pippins paced the Gorillas with 16 points on the strength of 4-for-7 3-point field goal shooting. Cameron Huefner and Quentin Hardrict Jr. added 11 points apiece. The Gorillas finished the game 32.0 percent from the field, making 16 of 50 attempts.

Dillon Bailey notched a team-leading 15 points for the RiverHawks while Christian Cook added 11.

Pitt State will return to action Saturday at 3:30 p.m. against Rogers State University at John Lance Arena.