February 27, 2008

The Lions Sleep Tonight: Pitt State 68, Southern 64
Magana Comes Up Big Down Stretch in Victory Over Southern

    PITTSBURG -- Spencer Magana hit a game-tying 3-pointer with 1:22 to play in the game then knocked down four free throws in the game’s final half minute to help Pittsburg State University claim a 68-64 win over Missouri Southern State University Wednesday (Feb. 27) at John Lance Arena.
    The Gorillas (17-9, 8-9 MIAA) trailed by as many as six points in the second half, before Magana’s shot finally drew them even with the Lions (16-10, 10-7 MIAA), who stumbled to their fourth straight loss after sitting atop the MIAA standings two weeks ago.
    Following a Tyler Ryerson miss with 1:01 to go, Cory Abercrombie put Pitt State in front, 62-60, with a pair of free throws 12 seconds later. Vincent Ateba made one of two charity shots to draw the Lions within one, at 62-61, with 39 seconds to play, but Magana converted a pair of charity shots at the 23 second mark, and, after a TJ Britton missed layup, he knocked home two more foul shots with 12.8 ticks remaining for a 66-61 advantage.
    Tony Webb buried a 3-pointer with three tickets left to draw Southern within two, at 66-64, but Abercrombie was followed on the subsequent inbounds play and he made both free throws to seal the win.
    Abercrombie led all scorers with 18 points and added a game-high 10 rebounds. Magana added 17 points -- 10 in the second half -- while Justin McCoy contributed 15 points -- 10 in the first half -- for the Gorillas. Pitt State shot 59.5 percent (25 of 42) from the field in the game, while limiting Southern to 40.8 percent shooting (20 of 49).
    Ateba led the Lions with 15 points, while Ryerson and Skyler Bowlin added 14 and 12.