PITTSBURG, Kan. — Graycen Holden and Nija Collier combined for 41 points and the No. 21-ranked Central Missouri women’s basketball team pulled out in front during the game’s waning minutes to claim a 76-71 victory over Pittsburg State on Thursday at John Lance Arena.
Pittsburg State (10-6, 10-6 MIAA) led by as man as 11 points in the second quarter, but UCM (13-2, 13-2 MIAA) chipped away at the lead in the second half. The game featured seven ties and eight lead changes.
The Jennies took the lead for good, 72-71, on Collier’s 3-pointer with with 1:26 to play. After a Pittsburg State turnover, Holden hit an inside shot with 42 ticks remaining to make it a 74-71 UCM advantage. Olivia Nelson hit two free throws with 15.1 seconds to go for the game’s final margin.
Pittsburg State’s last lead came on a 3-pointer by Tristan Gegg with 2:02 to play. The Gorillas, who led 71-69 at that point, did not score again down the stretch.
Gegg poured in a game-high 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the floor for the Gorillas. Kaylee DaMitz added 13 points and nine assist, while Sydnee Crain also scored in double figures with 10 points.
Pittsburg State will return to action Saturday when the Gorillas host MIAA rival Lincoln at 1:30 p.m.
