PITTSBURG — Max Alexander scored 17 of his team-leading 19 points in the second half as the Pittsburg State University held off Emporia State University, 79-76, Wednesday (Feb. 28) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.
 
The Gorillas (18-9, 14-7 MIAA) led by as many as seven points, 69-62, with 3:11 to play but couldn't put away the Hornets (18-11, 11-10 MIAA) until the game's waning seconds.

ESU's Owen Long missed a long 3-pointer with three seconds to play to allow Pitt State to claim the three-point win.

Alexander made all 11 of his free throw attempts in the game as Pitt State owned a 10-point edge at the free throw line. The Gorillas converted 27 of 31 charity shots compared to 17 of 23 shooting by the Hornets.

Jeramy Shaw added 18 points for Pitt State, while Deshaun English II posted 15 points, eight rebounds and two blocked shots. Tanner Mans chipped in with 12 points on the strength of 3-for-3 shooting from 3-point range.
 
Atavian Butler led all scorers with 27 points, while Alijah Comithier added 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Hornets.

Pitt State will close out regular season play Saturday (Mar. 2) by hosting Missouri Western State University at 3:30 p.m. (CST).