ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Newcomer Connor Rogers scored a game-high 20 points to help spark the Pittsburg State University men's basketball team to a 75-53 win over Minnesota State University Sunday (Nov. 2) in day two action of the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic at Civic Arena.

Rogers made six of 15 shots from the floor and all seven of his free throw attempts to pace the Gorillas, who finished the elite tournament play with a 1-1 record. Donald Coats added 16 points, while Mason English chipped in with 10 points and four assists.

The Gorillas stormed out to a 37-17 halftime advantage against the Mavericks (0-2) by limiting MSU to six of 27 shooting in the first 20 minutes of play. The Mavericks got no closer than 14 points of Pitt State down the stretch.

Hayden Shanks and Tane Prictor added eight points apiece for the Gorillas, while Ethan Sage added six points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots.