By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn University's men's basketball team had to sweat out the final seconds, but held on for an 80-79 MIAA road win over Pittsburg State Saturday at John Lance Arena.
The Ichabods, who won their fourth straight game, did not trail in the second half, but the win was not secure until Pittsburg State missed a potential game-winning shot at the buzzer.
"Road wins are tough, so I'm thankful for that,'' Washburn coach Brett Ballard told KTPK Radio after the game. "To come on the road and get wins is not easy. We just didn't play very intelligent basketball at times today.
"I thought we played really soft. That's evident from our defensive numbers. You can't give up 50 percent (shooting) and win games or 42 percent (from 3-point range) and win games and allow teams to (make) 14 free throws. That's not a recipe for success.''
Tyler Geiman
Connor Deffebaugh
Washburn, which improved to 10-6 overall and 7-3 in the MIAA, got 28 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds from Tyler Geiman, a career-high 20 points from Connor Deffebaugh and 11 points off the bench from Tyler Nelson. Freshman Michael Keegan pulled down a career-high 13 rebounds and scored six points.
"Connor Deffebaugh was terrific,'' Ballard said. "He was aggressive and made plays when we needed him to make plays and then Geiman had a hell of a game again. He was a warrior and played the whole game.
"I thought those two guys really competed and I'm proud of those two in particular.''
The Gorillas (4-12, 3-7) cut Washburn's lead to the final margin with seven seconds to go and Pittsburg State got a late 3-point attempt after an Ichabod turnover but Pitt State's shot from the corner hit the side of the basket.
Ryan Pippins had 22 to lead five Gorillas in double figures.
Washburn finished 28 of 62 from the field while hitting 17 of 23 free throws and outrebounding the Gorillas, 35-29. Pitt State finished 28 of 55 from the field and hit 14 of 15 free throws.
The Ichabods will host No. 2-ranked and defending national champion Northwest Missouri at 7:30 p.m. Monday in Lee Arena.
