SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The Pittsburg State University men's basketball team dropped a 75-68 decision to the University of Texas Permian Basin in day one action of the River City Holiday Classic Tuesday (Dec. 16).

The Falcons outscored the Gorillas by eight points over the final six minutes of the second half to turn a 20-20 game into a 34-26 halftime advantage. UTPB expanded its lead to as many 17 points with 13 minutes remaining in the game; and Pitt State couldn't overcome the deficit down the stretch.

Junior guard Connor Rogers and freshman guard Mason English combined to score 43 points to pace the Gorillas (7-4). Rogers finished with a game high 23 points, while English chipped in with 20 points, four rebounds and four assists. Redshirt junior forward Donald Coats added 12 points and a team-leading seven rebounds.

Pitt State shot just 34.9 percent from the field in the game (22-63) and the Gorillas finished four for 23 from 3-point range (.174).

UTPB (4-7) placed four players in double figures:  Tash Lunday (18), Connor Morris (17), TJ McKenzie (14) and Rashad Key (10).

The Gorillas will close out the two-day tournament action with a 3 p.m. (CST) game against Midwestern State University Wednesday (Dec. 17).