EDMOND, Okla. – The eighth ranked Pittsburg State University women's basketball team opened MIAA conference play with a 76-53 win over the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos Wednesday (Dec. 4) at the  Hamilton Field House.

The Gorillas (7-1, 1-0 MIAA) were led by Karenna Gerber with 17 points and nine rebounds. In the second half, Gerber accounted for all her points, going 7-of-8 from the field and 3-of-3 from free throws. Macie Mays ended up with 12 points and a career-high eight rebounds.

The bench unit contributed 31 points behind the trio of Hannah Nilges (11), Sydney Holmes (10) and Savanah Campbell (10). 

Leading at the half 29-27, the Gorillas used an 8-0 run from Gerber within the first three minutes of the third quarter to open up a 10-point lead. Central Oklahoma (1-8, 0-1 MIAA) cut the lead down to six twice, with the final time coming with 4:31 left in the third quarter, but could not overcome the Gorillas second-half surge.

UCO was led by Talia Pogi and LaKysia Johnson with 15 points.

Up next for PSU will be the Rogers State University Hillcats (4-4, 0-1 MIAA) from the Claremore Expo Center at 1:30 p.m. (CST) on Saturday (Dec. 7). RSU began conference action with a closely contested 57-54 defeat against Missouri Southern State University Wednesday (Dec. 4).