PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State University men's basketball team pushed No. 4 ranked University of Central Oklahoma before dropping an 80-70 decision Thursday (Jan. 26) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.

The Gorillas (5-15, 2-12 MIAA) stormed out to an 18-point first half lead, building a 42-24 cushion with 2:33 to play in the first half. The Bronchos (19-1, 13-1 MIAA) scored 12 of the next 16 points to trim the lead to 10, 46-36, at the break.

UCO, which posted its 12^th straight victory in the game, opened the second half on a 9-0 run to pull within a point, 46-45, with 16:11 remaining. The Gorillas continued to hold off the Bronchos until Preston Aymond made two free throws to put UCO up 64-62 with 4:52 to go.

UCO's Curtis Haywood II, who scored a team-leading 19 points, hit back-to-back 3-pointers down the stretch to help the Bronchos fend off the Gorillas upset bid.

Deshaun English II and Quentin Hardrict Jr. paced Pitt State with 21 points apiece. English notched his ninth double-double of the season, adding a game high 10 rebounds and two blocked shots. Hardrict also recorded a double-double by dishing out a career best 10 assists in the contest.

Pitt State will return to action Saturday (Jan 28) by hosting Newman University at 3:30 p.m. (CST).