PITTSBURG, Kan.-The Missouri Southern State University Lions were unable to overcome a 36-of-41 (87.8 percent) attack from the free throw line by the Pittsburg State University Gorillas on Saturday here at John Lance Arena. The Gorillas, who were trailing entering the fourth quarter, defeated MSSU 83-74.
Southern fell to 5-12 overall and 2-7 in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). Meanwhile Pitt State improved to 10-7 overall and 6-3 in the league.
Zoe Campbell was a force on both ends of the court as she finished the game by going 5-of-12 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free throw line for 15 points and 15 rebounds, eight offensive and seven defensive. Campbell, who had her third double-double of the season, was one rebound off tying her career and season-high mark of 16.
Destiny Cozart connected on 5-of-15 from the field, including 3-of-8 from beyond the arch, and 3-of-5 from the free throw line to lead all Lion players with 16 points. Chasidee Owens also had double-digit points with 13 on the day.
Despite being in the game after trading baskets early, the Gorillas went on a 6-0 run to make the score 8-2 before Head Coach Ronnie Ressell called a timeout. As the quarter continued, the Lions showed tenacity as they finished it on a 7-0 run to trail 19-13. In the quarter, Southern shot 33.3 percent (6-of-18) from the field.
In the second quarter, both teams battled with PSU outscoring Southern 20-18 and extending the lead to 39-31. They were down by a bigger margin but two late treys by the Lions cut the lead to single digits.
Amber Buch started the second half off with a three pointer off a feed by Campbell to cut the lead to just five. A three-pointer by Cozart cut the lead to just two points, 41-39. By holding Pitt State scoreless for more than three and a half minutes, MSSU capitalized with a 9-0 run and took a two-point lead 43-41 with six minutes remaining.
MSSU did not back off as they increase despite hitting 1-of-3 from the free throw line on two straight possessions. Campbell then took control as he made two straight buckets to put her over the double-double plateau. The Lions led 58-55 after the quarter.
The fourth quarter turned into a free throw shooting contest early and unfortunately for the Lions, Pitt State was nearly perfect from the line as they hit 17-of-19. Four Lions entered the quarter with four fouls with two of them being disqualified.
The Lions return home on Thursday (Jan. 29) to take on Northeastern State with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m. before hosting Rogers State (Okla.) on Saturday (Feb. 1) with tip-off slated for 1:30.
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