The William Jewell College men's basketball team had three starters score over 20 points but it was not enough as Pittsburg State held on for a 100-97 win on Thursday in Pittsburg, Kan. 

The Gorillas (3-1) got a game-high 34 points from Josiah Gustafson, while Javis Flynn added 19 points. Pitt State made 10 of 17 3-point field goals in the contest and the Gorilla's converted 26 of 32 free throw attempts.

The Cardinals (1-1) got a team-leading 29 points from Matt Lassen, while Darius Tomlin and Patrick Whelan scored 23 and 22 points respectively.   The Cardinals made 17 of 24 3-point field goals including 7-10 from Lassen. 

Jewell shot a blistering  66.7 percent from the field (35-72), while Pitt State shot 64 percent for the game.

Jewell built a 41-37 halftime lead and increased the lead to nine 63-54 with over 16 minutes to play off a three point play from Emil Ostafiiciuc. 

The Gorillas responded and tied the game 70-70 with 11 minutes to play and then took the lead until the 1:39 mark with Jewell tied it up 94-94.  Jewell would tie it up one more time 95-95 with 1:04 to play before the Gorillas took a three point lead with 23 seconds left. 

The Cardinals closed the gap to one 98-97 with five seconds to play off a lay-up from Tomlin but Pitt State hit two free throws to earn the hard fought win. 

Jewell will return to action Saturday, November 21 when they make they host Missouri Southern State University. Tipoff is set for 3:00 p.m. at The Mabee Center.