Pittsburg State University’s men’s basketball team is gearing up for two important home games this week. They’ll face Northeastern State University on Wednesday, January 28, and the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith on Saturday, January 31. Both games will take place at John Lance Arena.
The Gorillas, currently 11-7 overall (5-3 in the MIAA), are eager to bounce back after two recent losses on the road. They fell to Rogers State (64-59) and Central Oklahoma (69-59). A scheduled game against Missouri Southern was postponed due to bad weather, leaving the team looking for a confidence boost at home.
Northeastern State also has an 11-7 record, with a 4-5 mark in MIAA play. They’ve been on a roll lately, winning three out of their last four games, including a big 104-62 win against Newman. In contrast, Arkansas-Fort Smith boasts a 15-3 record (6-3 in MIAA), sitting comfortably in third place in the conference after winning their last two games.
Head Coach Jeff Boschee is now in his fourth season with the Gorillas, bringing a wealth of experience. He has a career record of 209-136. Under his leadership, the Gorillas achieved a commendable 21-11 record last season, earning a spot in the NCAA Division II National Tournament. Before joining Pittsburg, Boschee coached at Missouri Southern, where he had a successful run.
The Gorillas and RiverHawks have played each other 84 times before. Pitt State leads the series 56-28, and they recently edged out Northeastern in a thrilling 98-95 overtime victory. Freshman Mason English played a pivotal role in that game, scoring 31 points.
When looking at individual performances, junior Connor Rogers stands out, averaging 20.2 points per game, ranking him third in the MIAA. He has scored over 20 points in ten games so far this season. Freshman Mason English is also making a name for himself with 13.2 points and a remarkable assist average that ranks him among the best in Division II.
Recent social media chatter shows fans are buzzing about the team’s potential, especially with the standout performances from both Rogers and English. Attendance at games is expected to be strong, given the excitement surrounding the team’s prospects, especially in these crucial matchups.
As the Gorillas prepare to face tough rivals, the atmosphere at John Lance Arena is sure to be electric. With the team looking to regain momentum, these games could define their season’s trajectory. For updated stats and further details on their performance, visit the MIAA’s official page.
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