Pittsburg State Downs UNK Men, 86-70

The Pittsburg State Gorillas shot 52 percent from the field and got 25 points from true freshman guard Mason English to down Nebraska Kearney, 86-70, Thursday night in Kansas.

This was the only meeting between Pitt (15-11, 9-7) and UNK (13-15, 6-11) this year with the Gorillas now having won six straight in the series.

Pitt led most of the way, but UNK was within striking distance until a flurry of free throws at the end. Senior wing Kendrick Gilbert (St. Louis) went for a team-high 20 points, pushing his collegiate career total to 973, as the Lopers went 20 of 24 at the line but shot only 36 percent from the field.

"They are a good team; they play hard, put that pressure on you and are well-coached," said UNK head coach Marty Levinson. "It felt like everything went their way. They got the loose balls they needed, and we got a little bit out of character."

Gilbert hit a jumper and then a 30-footer to help the Lopers trail 41-35 heading into the break. Six minutes into the second half, UNK was down just 49-46 after junior forward Anthony Swift (Las Vegas) saw his three-pointer hit iron, bounce up high and fall through the net. However, Pitt responded with a 14-3 run over the next three minutes and the Lopers didn't get closer than four the rest of the way.

"Our flow wasn't there, our movement wasn't there that we've had (during a three-game win streak) and been hanging our hat on," said Levinson. "That turned into some transition buckets for them. You're out of position when the offensive isn't flowing."

One of the MIAA's top first-year players, English reached his tally by making 8 of 15 shots (3 of 6 threes) and going 6 of 6 at the line. He also had seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals. Next, six-seven true freshman wing Ethan Sage had an all-around effort (18 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks) with two others in double figures as well. Finally, Pitt went 21 of 27 at the line and was plus 20 in fast break points.

For UNK, Swift and guard Ja'Bryant Hill (Dallas) each scored 14 before both fouled out late with redshirt sophomore wing Clayton Moore (Mullen) tallying 11. Gilbert made seven shots and went 4 of 5 at the line to record his fourth 20-point effort of the year. 

"Kendrick is solider; he shows up every single day and keeps a good attitude. Puts his head down and works," said Levinson. "I'm happy for the way he's ran this thing through the finish line in his senior year."

The Lopers head to Missouri Southern on Saturday afternoon. The Lions (15-10, 9-7) beat Fort Hays State tonight, 64-60.