PITTSBURG -- Junior guard Connor Rogers poured in a game-high 39 points to spark the Pittsburg State University men's basketball team to a 91-76 victory over the University of Sioux Falls Friday (Nov. 14).

Rogers posted the highest single-game scoring total in 21 seasons with his 39-point outburst. He accounted for 28 of the Gorillas 42 second-half points as Pitt State fended off the visiting Cougars down the stretch in day one action of the 10-team Central Region Challenge at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.

Freshman guard/forward Ethan Sage (12), redshirt junior guard Hayden Shanks (12) and freshman guard Landon Short (11) also finished in double figures for the Gorillas, who improved to 2-1 on the season with the victory. Pitt State shot 55.9 percent from the field in the game, converting 33 of 59 attempts. Rogers knocked down four of the Gorillas' 11 3-point field goals on the night. He made 13 of 20 shots from the floor overall, and he converted nine of 10 free throw attempts. Freshman guard Mason English dished out a game-high six assists.

Reshirt sophomore guard Taylen Ashley led five USF players in double figure scoring with 22 points, while redshirt junior forward Kyle Ingwerson added 15 points. Sophomore forward Brandon Hrncir and freshman guard Brogan Madson chipped in with 15 and 13 points, respectively.

Rogers is the first player to tally 39 points in a game since Eddie Jackson did so on Feb. 28, 2004, against Truman State University. His 39-point scoring total ranks in a tie for eighth place on the Gorillas' single game chart.

Pitt State head coach Jeff Boschee recorded his 200th career coaching victory with the win over USF. Boschee registered his 49th win during his four-year Pitt State tenure after posting a 151-86 mark in eight seasons at MIAA rival Missouri Southern State University.

Pitt State will close out the two-day, classic format Central Region Challenge by entertaining Minnesota State University-Moorhead Saturday at 7 p.m. (CST).