Curtis Meyer sports editor
The Men’s basketball team began the 2024-2025 season, traveling to Kansas City in order to compete in the Central Region Tipoff Challenge. The Gorillas would go 1-1, dropping a 60-75 loss to Winona State on Friday, then rebounding with a 73-67 win over St. Cloud State on Sunday.
“I think we learned a little bit about ourselves. The first game, we came out a little bit nervous and tentative, we didn’t shoot the ball good at all in the first half. The second half we were a little more relaxed and settled in a little bit,” said head coach Jeff Boschee.
Pitt State came out flat to start the game on Friday, and the Winona State Warriors dominated the first half, outscoring the Gorillas 48-23. Pitt State simply couldn’t find their shot, with an abysmal 28 percent shooting. The second half was much better for the Gorillas, outscoring the Warriors 37-27, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the early deficit.
Grad transfer Avery Taggert led Pitt State with 19 points in the match, while sophomore Jordan Frison was the only other double-digit scorer with 11 points. Redshirt Freshman Evan Jackson chipped in three points and a team leading seven rebounds. Junior Johannes Kirsipuu, a transfer from Arkansas, added eight points.
“We went back the next morning, clipped up the film and watched pretty much the whole game. Just showed areas we needed to improve, especially on the defensive end of the floor,” said Boschee.
Pitt State didn’t let the loss get in their way the following game, though, defeating the St. Cloud State Huskies 73-67. It was a back-and-forth affair, but a strong second half by the Gorillas paved the way for them to pick up their first win of the season.
Redshirt R. J. Forney poured in a career high of 25 points, with 15 of those coming in the second half of the game. Junior Tanner Mans added 14 points and a game high eight rebounds, with junior Tane Prictor chipping in 13 points, seven rebounds, and three blocked shots in his season debut.
“We got to take it one day at a time, one possession at a time. We have our good days in practice and continue to build that camaraderie. Last year it took us a little bit, but we finally hit our stride towards the middle of the season, but you never know when it’s going to happen. So, we try to work, try to get better individually, and as a team, I think that’s the way we tell our guys to persevere along the way.
Pitt State will retake the court this weekend, as they will face Colorado Springs in the annual Bearcat/Gorilla Classic on Thursday, then turn to face William Jewel University the following Friday.