PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State University women's basketball team used an 11-0 run early in the fourth quarter to break open a one-point game and eventually pull away for an 82-61 victory over Emporia State University Thursday (Feb. 6).
 
The Gorillas led 55-54 before Macie Mays started the pivotal run with two of her game-high 20 points at the 8:35 mark of the fourth quarter.
 
The two squads combined for 12 individual event victories and more than 40 NCAA qualifying marks in the meet. Just over three minutes later, Karenna Gerber's transition basket capped the run, stretching Pitt State's lead to 12 at 66-54 with 4:52 to go.
 
The outburst helped the No. 6 ranked Gorillas (20-2, 12-0 MIAA) breeze down the stretch to the squad's 20^th win in 22 games this season. Pitt State reached the 20-win plateau for the third straight season and the 15^th time in program history.
 
The Gorillas never trailed in the contest, but Pitt State could never gain separation from the pesky Hornets (9-13, 4-9 MIAA) over the first three quarters of play. Grace Pyle hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to end the third period, breaking a 52-52 tie and giving the Gorillas a lead they would not relinquish.
 
Mays made eight of 12 shots from the floor as the Gorillas shot 46.4 percent (32-69) from the field on the night. Gerber added 16 points, a team-leading seven rebounds and two blocked shots. Harper Schreiner added 15 points, five rebounds and five assist, while Pyle chipped in with 13 points.
 
Makenzie McDaniel paced four Emporia State players in double figures with 16 points and she added a game-high nine rebounds and a pair of blocked shots. Gracie Gilpin, Katie Horyna and Jayla Cornelius each finished with 12 points for the Lady Hornets.
 
Pitt State will return to action Saturday (Feb. 8) when the Gorillas host MIAA rival Newman University at 1:30 p.m. at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.