The Missouri Western came out on the losing end of a tough, grind-it-out game in “The Jungle” Wednesday night, falling at Pittsburg State, 77-71.

The two teams traded leads all night, but an Eric Ray 3-pointer with 1:23 remaining proved to be the final lead change, as the Gorillas went ahead 72-70 and held on for the victory.

Western had four players in double figures, led by T.J. Johnson’s 13 points.  Johnson left the game midway through the 2nd half with a sprained ankle and did not return.

Dylan Frantz added 12 for the Griffons, while James Harris and Shawn Tarver added 10 apiece.

The Griffons fall to 5-2 overall and 0-1 in MIAA play, while Pittsburg improves to 5-2 and 1-0 in the conference.

Western is home Saturday against Emporia State at 3:30 p.m.

— MWSU Sports Information —