EDMOND, Okla. -- Tanner Mans scored the go-ahead basket with five seconds to play in regulation to lift the Pittsburg State University men's basketball team to a 71-69 victory over the University of Central Oklahoma Thursday (Feb. 1) at Hamilton Field House.

The Gorillas (12-8, 8-6 MIAA) led by as many as 13 points in the second half before the Bronchos (15-7, 7-7 MIAA) battled back to knot the score at 68-68 on two free throws by Jaden Wells in the game's final minute.

Max Alexander made one of two free throws with 42 tickets remaining for a 69-68 lead, but UCO countered with 13 seconds to go as Matthew Willenborg made one of two free throws to knot the score. Alexander rebounded Willenborg's missed free throw to set up Mans' driving basket. Wells misfired on a 3-pointer just ahead of the buzzer to allow the Gorillas to escape with the win.

Jordan Frison led four Pitt State players in double figures with 17 points in the game. Mans added 16, while Jeramy Shaw and Deshaun English II finished with 14 points apiece.

Wells poured in a game-high 27 points for UCO.

Pitt State, which posted its third straight win will close out a three-game road swing with a 3:30 p.m. (CST) game Saturday at Wichita, Kan., against Newman University.