KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Winona State University stormed out to a 48-23 halftime advantage and never looked back in a 75-60 victory over the Pittsburg State University men's basketball team at the Central Region Challenge at Municipal Auditorium Friday (Nov. 8).
 
The Gorillas (0-1) overcame a 26 percent shooting effort in the first half but Pitt State could get no closer than 14 points of the Warriors (1-0) in the second half.
 
Graduate transfer Avery Taggert paced the Gorillas with 19 points. Sophomore guard Jordan Frison also finished in double figures with 11 points. Redshirt freshman forward Evan Jackson chipped in with three points and a team-leading seven rebounds, while junior guard Johannes Kirsipuu added eight points.
 
Winona State placed four players in double figure scoring led by Connor Drew's 17 points. Isaiah Davis added 12 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.
 
The Gorillas will close out action in the three-day, 12-game tournament Sunday with a 2 p.m. (CST) contest against St. Cloud State University.