PITTSBURG, Kan.- Griffon Women's Basketball (8-15, 4-10 MIAA) fell just short at No. 20 Pittsburg State (18-5, 11-3 MIAA) on Wednesday night from John Lance Arena by a final score of 64-61.

MWSU came out strong in the opening period, jumping to an 11–3 lead at the 7:38 mark. The Gorillas responded after the slow start, reclaiming their first lead since the opening minute when they moved in front 19–17 with 4:25 remaining in the period. The high-scoring first quarter closed with Pitt State holding a narrow 26–24 advantage.

The second period was the complete opposite of the first, turning into a defensive battle with limited scoring, and the teams went into halftime tied at 35–35.

The Gorillas opened the third period on a strong run, building a 43–37 advantage at the 6:27 mark and holding MWSU scoreless until 5:52 for the Griffons' first basket of the quarter. MWSU responded with a push late in the period, closing on a surge to take a 50–45 lead after a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Lindsey Kelderman.

The game was tied 50–50 just one minute into the fourth quarter. With 3:47 remaining, Pitt State built a 60–54 advantage.

The Griffons forced multiple turnovers down the stretch and cut the deficit to one after a Mia Morel steal and layup made it 62–61. Pitt State responded with two free throws to push its lead back to three.

MWSU had a final opportunity to tie after being fouled on a three-point attempt as time expired, but the Griffons were unable to convert and ultimately fell 64–61.

Nakiya Harris led the Griffons with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc.

Ana Oliveira Dias added 13 points, dished out a team-high three assists, and recorded a game-best four steals.

Mia Morel finished with 12 points and pulled down a team-high six rebounds while adding three steals and a block.

MoWest shot 39.3 percent (24-of-61) from the field, including 25.0 percent (7-of-28) from three-point range. At the free-throw line, the Griffons went 6-of-11 for 54.5 percent.

Pitt State shot 43.9 percent (25-of-57) from the floor, connecting on 31.6 percent (6-of-19) from three-point range. At the free-throw line, the Gorillas went 8-of-13 for 61.5 percent.

What's Next
Griffon Women's Basketball continues its southern road swing Saturday, traveling to Joplin for a 1:30 p.m. MIAA matchup with Missouri Southern.