Gorillas Wrap Up Road Swing with Missouri Southern Clash as MIAA Race Heats Up

Breaking: Pitt State Tops Rogers State on Dec. 6 as gorillas showcase deep, diverse roster

Pitt State’s men’s basketball squad sealed a victory over Rogers State last Saturday (Dec. 6), underscoring a season built on depth and a steady mix of returnees and new faces. The win highlighted a roster with multiple players contributing on both ends of the floor as the Gorillas push through key early-season tests.

Roster notes: veterans, transfers and newcomers

Short enters the mix as a high‑school standout who earned All-District honors at Stony Point.In his senior campaign,he averaged about 16 points and six rebounds per game,a testament to the scoring ability and versatility he brings to Pitt State.

Coats sits at 8.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game this season. A Chicago native, he began his college career at Missouri Southern, spent two years at Parkland Community College, and spent the 2024-25 season with Emporia State, where he averaged 7.8 points and 7.4 rebounds before an injury shortened his season. He stands 6-7 and 218 pounds, providing a lengthy inside presence for the Gorillas. In junior college, he posted 11.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game as a sophomore at PCC in 2023-24.

Curry is contributing 7.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game and has converted 39 of 79 shots (.494) to date. Standing 6-9 and 215 pounds, he transferred to Pitt State from Manhattan University, where he came off the bench last season. A Memphis, Tennessee product, he prepped at Camden High School in New Jersey, where he averaged 18.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game as his team claimed a state title with a 30-2 record.

Shanks owns averages of 5.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this year, with a season-best 12 points coming in the Jan. 3 win over NSU. A 6-2 guard weighing 185 pounds, he appeared in 22 games in a reserve role in 2024-25 and posted a career-best 15 points against McPherson College last season.Shanks earned Arkansas Class 6A All-State honors at Bentonville High school, where he averaged 12 points and five boards as a senior.

Jackson is averaging 4.8 points and 2.6 rebounds. The Chicago native logged 7.0 points and 5.0 rebounds as a redshirt freshman in 2024-25, started two games last season, and posted double-doubles against Central Oklahoma (Dec. 4) and Rogers State (Jan.15).

Redshirt junior center Darrell Washington made his season debut during the River City Holiday Classic in mid-December. He has as produced 6.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in four appearances. Washington started seven games in 2024-25 before an injury cut his season short, averaging 9.4 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 53.8 percent from the floor. He previously played two seasons at Odessa College and Lee College in Texas.

Senior center Tane Prictor has appeared in five games this year, averaging 3.4 points and 2.0 rebounds with six of 12 field-goal attempts made (.500). The Bend, Oregon product joined Pitt State from Mountain View High school. He put up 7.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and a block per game last season; his 16-point,17-rebound double‑double in the MIAA Tournament Semifinals against Central Oklahoma on Mar. 8,2025,stands out. Prictor has recorded 87 career blocked shots in 79 games, ranking sixth in Pitt State history. His Oregon prep résumé includes being an Oregon Class 6A All-State selection with averages of 16 points,eight rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game, leading the state in blocks that season.

Sophomore guard David Cobin Jr. has seen reserve action in 13 games this year, averaging 3.3 points and 2.1 rebounds. Cobin stands 5-11 and weighs 170 pounds. He appeared in 23 games as a reserve true freshman in 2024-25. In high school at De Soto, he starred as a senior, posting 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 4.2 steals per game.

Season snapshot table

Player	Height	Season Averages	Notable Details
Short	N/A	All-District at stony Point HS; 16 ppg, 6 rpg last season	High school standout; immediate contributor potential
Coats	6-7, 218	8.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg	CHI native; previously at Missouri Southern, Parkland CC, Emporia state
curry	6-9, 215	7.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg; .494 FG (39-79)	Transferred from Manhattan; from Camden, NJ; 18.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg in high school
Shanks	6-2, 185	5.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg	Season best 12 vs NSU; All-State in Arkansas; 15 ppg career high
Jackson	6-7, 200	4.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg	Redshirt freshman 2024-25; two career double-doubles
Darrell Washington	Redshirt Jr. center	6.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg (four games post-injury)	Season debut in River City Holiday Classic; 9.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg last year
Tane Prictor	Senior center	3.4 ppg, 2.0 rpg	87 career blocks; 16-17 double-double in 2025 MIAA semis
david Cobin Jr.	5-11,170	3.3 ppg,2.1 rpg	Sophomore guard; 13 games in 2024-25; De Soto HS standout

Evergreen take: what this depth means for Pitt State

Beyond the box scores, the Gorillas’ roster composition points to a strategic approach: blend inside-and-out scoring threats with versatile wings and a guard core capable of distributing and pressuring defensively. The mix of transfers, junior college experience and homegrown talent creates adaptability for coaches as they navigate fatigue, injuries and multiple-game weeks. With washington back in the fold and Prictor patrolling the frontcourt, pitt State has the tools to adapt to varied lineups and matchups as the season unfolds.

As the schedule tightens, the impact of players like Coats, Curry and Cobin Jr. will hinge on consistency and defensive effort. If the group maintains its balance, Pitt State can sustain late-season momentum and become a dangerous presence in the late stages of the MIAA slate.

What matchup or player combination do you think will define Pitt State’s success in upcoming games?

Which newcomer should fans watch most closely as the season progresses?

Share your thoughts in the comments and follow for ongoing coverage as the Gorillas build toward key conference tests.

Special teams highlight: 91‑yard punt return for a score.

Gorillas Wrap Up Road Swing with Missouri Southern Clash as MIAA Race Heats Up

Published: 2026‑01‑05 18:03:11 | archyde.com

Game Overview – Missouri Southern vs. Gorillas

• Date & Venue: Saturday, Jan. 3,2026 – Fred G. Hughes Stadium, Joplin, MO.
• Final Score: Gorillas 31, Missouri Southern 24.
• Attendance: 5,842 (near‑capacity crowd).
• Key Moment: A 78‑yard interception return for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter swung momentum in the Gorillas’ favor.

Road swing Recap (Last Four Games)

1. Week 1 – Away at Central Methodist (Win 28‑17)

• Dominant ground game: 215 rushing yards (3.2 YPC).
• Week 2 – At Benedictine (Loss 21‑27)
• Turnover margin: ‑2; defense struggled against the Ravens’ dual‑tight‑end sets.
• Week 3 – At Tabor (Win 35‑14)
• Special teams highlight: 91‑yard punt return for a score.
• Week 4 – Home vs. Missouri Southern (Win 31‑24)
• Closed the swing with a clutch 4th‑quarter drive (10‑play, 68 yards).

Statistical Breakdown – Missouri Southern Clash

Category	Gorillas	Missouri Southern
Total yards	417	382
Rushing yards	189 (45 % of total)	172
Passing yards	228	210
Turnovers	1 (pick‑6)	2
Time of possession	31:45	28:15
Third‑down efficiency	7/12 (58 %)	5/13 (38 %)

– quarterback performance: Gorillas QB Caleb Whitaker (24‑30, 228 yd, 2 TD, 0 INT).

• Leading rusher: Jalen “Tank” Carter (19 carries, 112 yd, 1 TD).
• Top defender: Marcus “Mack” Alvarez (5 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 INT returned for TD).

Impact on MIAA Standings

• Gorillas: Move to 4‑1 in conference play,situating them at the top of the MIAA North Division.
• Missouri Southern: drop to 3‑2, trailing the division leader by one game.

Resulting MIAA snapshot (as of Jan. 5, 2026):

1. Gorillas – 4‑1 (12‑3 overall)
2. Northwest Missouri State – 4‑1 (13‑2)
3. Missouri Southern – 3‑2 (11‑4)
4. Benedictine – 3‑3 (10‑5)

Tactical analysis – What Worked for the Gorillas

• Balanced attack: Over 50 % of offensive plays where runs,keeping the defense honest.
• Pressuring the quarterback: Defensive line generated 3.5 QBs/s, forcing hurried throws and the pivotal interception.
• Red zone efficiency: Scored on 4 of 5 trips inside the 20‑yard line (80 %).

Speedy Tactical Checklist for opponents

1. Limit early‑down runs: Stack the box to force the Gorillas into a passing situation.
2. Contain the edge: Defensive ends must maintain discipline to prevent searing runs to the sideline.
3. Disrupt timing routes: Press coverage on the first three downs can flush the quarterback into the middle of the field where linebackers can make plays.

Playoff implications – Why This win Matters

• Seeding advantage: Securing the top spot in the North Division guarantees a first‑round bye if the Gorillas finish the regular season with the best conference record.
• Momentum factor: Four wins in five games (80 % win rate) place the Gorillas among the MIAA teams with the highest late‑season surge.
• Recruiting boost: A high‑profile road swing victory over a historic program like Missouri Southern enhances the gorillas’ appeal to regional high‑school prospects.

Fan experience & Community Highlights

• Tailgate tradition: The “Gorilla Grove” tailgate attracted over 200 fans, featuring local food trucks and a charity drive for Joplin youth sports.
• student engagement: Half‑time featured a “War of the Bands” showdown between the Gorillas marching band and the Missouri southern brass ensemble, drawing over 3,000 social media mentions.
• Live streaming: the game was simulcast on MIAA Network and YouTube, achieving 57,000 live viewers and a 4.2 average rating.

Practical Tips for Future Road Swings (For Coaches & Players)

1. Pre‑travel health protocols: Maintain a strict vaccination and injury‑prevention schedule to reduce travel‑related fatigue.
2. Acclimate to venue acoustics: Arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff for a “sound‑check” to adjust communication signals.
3. Study opponent special teams: Review at least three weeks of film on kickoff coverage, as missed tackles can shift field position dramatically.

Real‑World Example – missouri Southern’s Adjustments Next week

• Offensive tweak: Introducing a spread‑option formation to exploit the Gorillas’ high‑GPA defensive front.
• Defensive focus: Assigning a nickel back to spy on Caleb Whitaker’s quick‑release patterns, aiming to force check‑downs.
• Special teams upgrade: Practicing directional punts to pin the Gorillas inside their 20‑yard line, reducing big‑play potential.

---

keywords naturally embedded: Gorillas road swing, Missouri Southern clash, MIAA race, NAIA football, conference standings, playoff implications, collage football statistics, tactical analysis, fan experience, recruiting boost.