JOPLIN, Mo. — Parker Long hit a driving layup with 20 seconds to play to break a 72-72 tie and lift the Missouri Southern State University men's basketball team to a 75-72 victory over Pittsburg State University Saturday (Feb. 17).

Long's basket gave the Lions a 74-72 edge, after he tied the game at 72-72 with a bucket with 1:06 remaining in regulation.

Pitt State's Jeramy Shaw was fouled with four seconds left, but he missed his first free throw and was called for a line violation on the second attempt.

MSSU's Martin Marcenis made one of two free throws with two ticks remaining to help seal the win for the Lions (12-12, 10-8 MIAA).

Darius Dawson led five MSSU players in double figures with 18 points.

Shaw paced all scorers in the contest with 28 points. Deshaun English II posted his 11th double-double of the season with 17 points and 12 rebounds. RJ Forney Jr. also finished with 12 points for the Gorillas (15-9, 11-7 MIAA)
 
Pitt State will face a pair of road games next week as the Gorillas will travel to Hays, Kan., and Kearney, Neb., for match-ups against Fort Hays State University and the University of Nebraska-Kearney.