MARYVILLE, Mo. -- Bennett Stirtz scored a team-leading 23 points to lead Northwest Missouri State University to a 77-67 victory over the Pittsburg State University men's basketball team Saturday (Dec. 2) at Bearcat Arena.

NWMSU used a 10-0 run to break open a 60-60 game with 6:12 to pay in the game and take control down the stretch against the Gorillas (2-4, 0-2 MIAA).

Max Alexander led all scorers with 24 points to fuel the Pitt State offense. Alexander made six of 12 shots from the floor, including three 3-pointers, and all nine of his free throw attempts in the contest. Deshaun English II added 10 points and nine rebounds, while Jordan Frison chipped in with nine points, five rebounds and four assists.

The Gorillas will return home to play host to Newman University next Thursday (Dec. 7) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.