DULUTH, Minn. — The Missouri Southern State University women's basketball team outscored Pittsburg State University, 26-10, in the fourth quarter to post a 73-64 victory in the semifinals of the NCAA Division II Central Regional Saturday (Mar. 11).
 
The Lady Lions (29-6) advance to the Sweet 16 to face the winner of Minnesota Duluth and Minnesota State in the regional final Monday (Mar. 13). Pitt State ends its season with a 23-8 record.
 
The Gorillas led 54-47 entering the final stanza, but the Lady Lions rallied by making seven of 13 shots from the floor as well as nine of 11 free throws in the final 10 minutes of play. Pitt State converted just four of 19 shots in the final period.
 
Karenna Gerber paced the Gorillas with 25 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots. She made eight of nine shots from the floor and nine of 11 free throw attempts. Tristan Gegg and Sydney Holmes added 10 points apiece, while Erin Davis chipped in with nine points and four assists.
 
Lacey Stokes led four MSSU players in double figures with 25 points. She added five rebounds and a game-high six assists. Kaitlin Honnicutt added 12 points.
 
Pitt State and MSSU faced one another four times on the season. The Gorillas swept the regular season action with the Lady Lions claiming wins in the MIAA Postseason Tournament and the Central Regional.