PITTSBURG — R.J. Forney Jr. scored all 17 of his points in the second half to help spark the Pittsburg State University men's basketball team to a come-from-behind 75-66 win over No. 3 ranked University of Central Oklahoma Saturday (Dec. 9).

The Bronchos (8-1, 3-1 MIAA) led 33-27 at the break, but the Gorillas (4-4, 2-2 MIAA) used a 22-8 run to push in front 49-41 on a Forney 3-pointer with 13:17 to play in the contest.

Pitt State stretched its lead to 10, 58-48, on Carter Hjelmsted's layup with 9:38 to go and the Gorillas weathered the Bronchos attempts at a comeback down the stretch.

UCO got as close as five points, 58-53, on a 3-pointer by Jaden Wells but Pitt State closed the door on any more runs.

Max Alexander led all scorers with 24 points. He also dished out five assists and grabbed four rebounds. Deshaun English II posted a double-double with 20 points and a game high 16 rebounds. He scored 13 of his 20 in the first half.

Forney made five of seven 3-point field goal attempts in the game. Jordan Frison also finished in double figures with 11 points in the game.

The Gorillas owned a 22-13 advantage over the Bronchos at the free throw line.

Luke Haasl paced UCO with 19 points, while Danquez Dawsey added 17 and Wells finished with 12.

The Gorillas will travel to Las Vegas, Nev., for their next action Dec. 18-19 at the High Desert Classic.