Gorillas’ Home Opener: Epic Showdown Against Wonder Boys and Bulldogs!

Gorillas’ Home Opener: Epic Showdown Against Wonder Boys and Bulldogs!

November 25, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Sports

Pittsburg State University Men’s Basketball Upcoming Games

Pittsburg State University’s men’s basketball team will play two home games this week at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court. The Gorillas will first face Arkansas Tech University on Wednesday, November 27 at 3 p.m. They will then compete against McPherson College on Saturday, November 30 at 3:30 p.m.

Fans can listen to the games on ESPN 100.7 FM radio or online at espn1007.com. The ESPN 100.7 or KSHQ app is also available for mobile devices.

Current Team Performance

The Gorillas have a record of 2 wins and 3 losses this season. In their last game on November 19, they lost 89-71 to No. 10 ranked Washburn University.

At the Bearcats/Gorillas Invitational held in Kansas City on November 14-15, Pittsburg State lost to the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, 91-83, but managed to bounce back with a narrow 61-60 victory over William Jewell College.

Upcoming Opponents

  • Arkansas Tech University: They currently have a record of 3-2. Their last game ended in a 69-67 loss to Missouri Western State University. They have wins against MIAA teams, including Missouri Southern State University and Newman University.

  • McPherson College: The Bulldogs hold a record of 2-4 before their game against William Woods University. Saturday’s game against Pitt State will be an exhibition for McPherson but a regular game for the Gorillas.

Coach’s Background

Jeff Boschee is the head coach of the Gorillas in his third season. Last year, he led the team to a 21-11 record and an NCAA Division II National Tournament appearance. He previously coached at Missouri Southern State University for eight seasons.

Series History

  • The Gorillas and Arkansas Tech have met 10 times, with Arkansas Tech leading the series 6-4. However, Pitt State won the last game 73-68 on December 31, 2014.

  • Pitt State leads its series against McPherson 6-3, having beaten them 75-54 in their last encounter on November 21, 2023.

Player Highlights

The Gorillas have several players performing well:

  • R.J. Forney Jr.: Leads the team with an average of 14.0 points per game. He has a shooting percentage of 53.2% from the field and 46.9% from three-point range.

  • Avery Taggert: Averaging 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.

  • Tanner Mans: Contributes 10.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists each game.

  • Darrell Washington: Averages 9.8 points and 4.8 rebounds.

  • Jordan Frison: A sophomore guard with 6.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, leading the team in assists.

The Gorillas will be looking to improve their record and build momentum in their upcoming games.