The Missouri Western men’s basketball team lost another close road battle as they fall at Pittsburg State Saturday, 85-82.

The Griffons are still winless on the road this season falling to 7-8 overall and 2-5 in MIAA play. Four Griffons scored in double figures with Ryan Devers leading the way with 19.

The Gorillas (6-6, 2-3 MIAA) led by just a point, 80-79, when Jake Bullard was fouled on an in-bound play with 37 seconds to play. He made both charity shots for an 82-79 advantage.

Adarius Fulton missed a 3-point attempt with 21 seconds to play and Bullard was fouled five seconds later. He made both free throws again to stretch the margin to five, at 84-79.

Ryan Devers hit a deep 3-pointer with 11 seconds remaining for the Griffons (7-8, 2-5 MIAA) drawing within two points, 84-82. Bullard made one of two free throws with 10 ticks left for the game’s final margin.

Dareon Jones missed a jumper just ahead of the final horn for Missouri Western.

Jake Bullard led a balanced Pitt State offensive attack with 19 points. Sam Pugh came off the bench to fire in 16 points on 4-for-4 shooting from 3-point range. Devon Branch added 15 points and Alex Williams finished with 11.

The Gorillas shot 51.1 percent from the field (23-45) in the game and converted 33 of 40 free throw attempts.

Devers led four Griffons in double figures with 19 points. Charlie Marquardt scored a career high 14, while Fulton and Cortrez Colbert scored 13 and 11 respectively.

The Griffons shot just 36.1 percent from the field in the gmae (22-61), but knocked down eight 3-pointers and converted 30 of 37 free throws in the contest.

The Griffons return to action on Wednesday, January 15 when they take on the Central Missouri Mules in road MIAA action. Tip time is set for 7:30 pm from the UCM Multipurpose Building in Warrensburg, Mo.

— MWSU Sports Information —