SAN ANTONIO – The Midwestern State University Mustangs got a layup from senior Drew Coffman to start a 5-0 run midway through the second half to lead MSU to a 74-71 victory over Pittsburg State (Kan.) at the River City Classic hosted by St. Mary's University.

MSU (5-3) built a nine-point lead with 5:54 to play, then had to hold on against the Gorillas (6-3).

MSU held a one-point, 70-69 lead, when Coffman hit a pair of free throws to give the Mustangs a three point advantage.

But PSU answered with a dunk from Cory Abercrombie to pull within one with 11 seconds to go.

But the Gorillas fouled Coffman just after the inbounds.  Drew nailed both charity tosses, then the MSU defense kept the Gorillas from getting a good shot for a game-tying three.

Coffman and senior guard Chad Rickett led MSU with 19 points each.  Coffman also recorded six assists.  Senior big-man Eric Dawson, from San Antonio, collected 14 points and nine rebounds before fouling out, and notched two blocks as well.

Pittsburg State was led by Abercrombie with 15 points and seven boards, with Rashaad Singleton adding 14 points and Ed Morris 12.  The pair also had seven rebounds.  Daniel Blair chipped in 10 points for the Gorillas.

Midwestern State doesn't have long to savor the victory.  The Mustangs face no. 13 Northwest Missouri State on Wednesday at noon in the River City Classic.