Box Score Kearney, Neb. – The Pittsburg State men's basketball team shot 61 percent from the field and had a plus 13 rebounding margin to run past Nebraska Kearney, 101-73, Thursday night in Kansas.

The Gorillas improve to 14-8 (10-4) and remain in fourth place in the MIAA while UNK falls to 14-8 (9-6) and is in fifth place in the league standings.

Behind 27 points from Oregon transfer Devon Branch and 23 from Millard North graduate Josiah Gustafson, the Gorillas scored 50 points in the first half and 51 in the second. They finished 37 of 61 from the field (7 of 13 threes) and 20 of 29 at the line.

UNK was called for a season-high 26 fouls with three-time MIAA Player of the Week Conner Beranek (Ravenna) fouling out after just 17 minutes. Two other starters and one reserve ended with four fouls apiece.

Pitt led for the final 33 minutes, using a 13-2 run midway through the second half to rebuild a double digit cushion. Branch started the run with Gustafson adding three buckets along the way to make it 77-62 with 7:55 to play.

Norfolk junior Ethan Brozek tried to keep UNK in it by scoring 26 points on 7 of 15 field goal shooting and by sinking 12 of 13 free throws. He also had three rebounds, two assists and a block. N

Next, front court mate Trey Lansman (Harlan, Ia.) added 18 points by making half his 14 field goal attempts with freshman guard Isaiah McKay (Brooklyn Park, Minn.) providing 10 points. 

Besides Branch and Gustafson, who were a combined 18 of 30 from the field, guard Javis Flynn had 10 assists, six points, four steals and three boards for Pitt.

UNK closes out the home slate next week with Emporia State and Fort Hays State.