PITTSBURG — Brionna Budgetts hit a 3-pointer to force overtime and Connie Clarke made three of four free throws in the final 40 seconds of the extra session to help the Missouri Western State University women's basketball team escape with an 80-74 victory over Pittsburg State University Thursday (Dec. 1).

The Griffons (6-2, 1-0 MIAA) led by as many as 14 points in the second quarter, but the Gorillas (5-2, 1-1 MIAA) scratched and clawed their way back into the contest.

Tristan Gegg, who led all scorers with 23 points in the game, hit back-to-back 3-pointers with the second drawing Pitt State within a point, 60-59, with 3:52 to play in regulation. The Gorillas eventually took their first lead, 63-62, on Erin Davis' runner.

Karenna Gerber, who had a monster night with 20 points, 17 rebounds and seven blocked shots, added a putback shot for a 65-62 Pitt State edge with 18.7 seconds remaining in the fourth period.

After a Griffons timeout, Jordan Cunningham found Budgetts at the top of the key for the game-tying jumper.

The Gorillas had a final chance for the win, but Pitt State committed its 22^nd turnover of the contest in the waning and just survived for OT when Clarke's transition layup rimmed out at the buzzer.

Western broke open a three-point game in OT on another triple by Budgetts with 1:20 to go.

Grace Pyle added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Gorillas, who shot 36.8 percent from the field in the game.

Clarke led five Griffs in double figures with 21 points while Budgetts finished with 17.

Pitt State will close out a four-game homestand by hosting Northwest Missouri State University Saturday (Dec. 3) at 1:30 p.m. (CST) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.