KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Pittsburg State University men's basketball team put up a game battle before falling 78-65 to top-seeded Northwest Missouri State University in the Finals of the 2024 MIAA Basketball Championships Sunday (Mar. 10).

The No. 4 ranked Bearcats (27-4 ) claimed the MIAA's automatic qualifying berth into the 2024 NCAA Division II National Tournament with the victory. Pitt State (21-10) will await the NCAA Selection Show announcement later tonight to see if the Gorillas secure an at-large berth into the tournament.

Max Alexander scored a team-leading 23 points against the Bearcats. Deshaun English II posted his 14th double-double of the season with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Jeramy Shaw also chipped in with nine points. English and Shaw were named to the All-Tournament Team for their efforts this weekend.

Bennett Stirtz scored a game high 25 points and eight assists for the Bearcats while Wes Dreamer finished with 16 points and six rebounds.