From staff reports
sports@joplinglobe.com
PITTSBURG, Kan. — Pittsburg State rattled off 17 unanswered points early in the first half and rolled past Sterling College 72-49 Tuesday night at John Lance Arena.
Senior forward Rodney Grace and senior guard Spencer Magana tallied 14 points apiece as the Gorillas won their season opener for the eighth consecutive year. Grace was 6-of-8 from the floor and 2-of-4 from the foul line, and Magana was 4-of-10 from the field, including 3-of-7 from 3-point range, and 3-of-3 at the line. He also snared nine rebounds, handed out four assists and made a steal in 32 minutes.
Grace scored 12 of his 14 points in the first half as the Gorillas built a 44-26 cushion.
Sterling scored the game’s first basket before the Gorillas went on a 17-4 burst during the next seven minutes. C.J. Masters and Josh Walker had four points apiece during the spree, Magana and Andy Smith hit 3-pointers, and Grace scored on a dunk and a free throw.
The Gorillas shot 51 percent from the floor (28-of-55) and owned a 46-28 advantage on the boards.
Guards Zach Goodrich and Chad Friess scored 13 and 12, respectively, for Sterling, which hit 17-of-63 shots for 27 percent.
The Gorillas are home this weekend for the Chatters/Comfort Inn Classic. Friday’s session has Missouri Southern vs. Missouri S&T; at 5 p.m. and Pittsburg State vs. Haskell at 7. The Gorillas and Lions will switch opponents for Saturday night.
