PITTSBURG — The Missouri Southern State University men's basketball team battled back from a 18-point second half deficit to rally for an 81-80 victory over Pittsburg State University Tuesday (Jan. 7).
 
The Gorillas (7-7, 3-2 MIAA) led 63-45 with 13:08 to play in the game. The Lions (8-6, 3-2 MIAA) chipped away at the margin and eventually pulled in front, 74-73, on two free throws by Tyrique Jackson with 3:55 remaining.
 
Pitt State's Johannes Kirsipuu hit a 3-pointer to give the Gorillas the lead again, and Jordan Frison made one of two free throws for a three-point edge, 77-74, with 3:02 to go.
 
Brooks hit a guarded 3-pointer to put MSSU back in front, 79-77, with 29.7 ticks remaining. Pitt State's Tanner Mans had a chance to knot the score, but his driving layup with 12 seconds remaining rimmed off.
 
Tyrone Wright made one of two free throws for the Lions for an 81-77 edge before Pitt State's Avery Taggart hit a 3-pointer in the waning seconds for the game's final margin.
 
Taggart, who transferred to Pitt State from MSSU, scored a career best 27 points for the Gorillas. He hit a team-leading seven 3-pointers in the contest. Frison added 17 points, five rebounds and nine assists.
 
Martin Macenis led three MSSU players in double figures with 25 points. Brooks added 19 points, while Wright chipped in with 17 points for the Lions.
 
Pitt State will travel to Wichita Thursday (Jan. 9) for an MIAA match-up against Newman University.