TOPEKA, Kan. -- Washburn used a strong second quarter to take an early lead over No. 25 Pittsburg State and held on down the stretch to win 75-62 Saturday afternoon. The Ichabods leave Lee Arena and head to face Fort Hays State on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m.  

Offenses for both teams were scoring well early, Washburn (11-6, 6-5 MIAA) created some separation with a 9-0 run sparked by a 3-pointer from Mackenzie Gamble and capped off by a layup from Aubree Dewey with 4:32 left in the quarter. The Gorillas (12-5, 6-5 MIAA) reeled off the next nine points and were in front 18-17 heading into the second quarter.  

Pitt State created a four point lead in the second quarter before Washburn's offense got going. The Ichabods shot 7-13 overall in the second quarter and added additional scoring going 8-8 from the free throw line. After the Gorillas went up 28-27 with 5:07 left Washburn scored the next 12 points over four minutes of action, capped off by a 3-pointer from Dewey. That would be the final lead change for the game with the Ichabods controlling a 41-32 lead going into halftime.  

Pittsburg State came out of halftime scoring, and was able to get the lead down to just three points at the 3:51 mark in the quarter. A 3-pointer by Aniah Wayne settled the run down and sparked a 7-0 burst from Ichabods. Both teams scored an even 13 points in the third quarter to keep Washburn's lead at nine heading into the fourth.  

Once again the Gorillas had a quick start to a quarter, cutting the lead down to five with 7:19 left. Every score for the visitors was answered by Washburn, a layup by Yiibari Niwdadah with four minutes left kicked off a 10-0 run for the home team which was capped off by a steal and score by Madelyn Amekporfor. The Ichabods held on down the stretch, pushing the lead up to as many as 17 before winning 75-62.  

Washburn shot 43.1% for the game while going 17-20 (85%) at the line. They held the Gorillas to 25-61 shooting and the visitors shot just 5-20 behind the arc. The Ichabods reeled off 18 fast break points while holding Pitt State scoreless in fast break opportunities. Washburn also won the turnover battle 20 to 15.  

Aubree Dewey scored over 20 for the third time in her last four contests going for 23 on 8-14 shooting . Yiibari Nwidadah was strong on both ends with a 15 point and 14 rebound double double along with a pair of blocks and steals. Aniah Wayne knocked down four triples on her way to scoring 14 points.  

Karenna Gerber led the Gorillas with 18 points on 7-14 shooting, Macie Mays had 15 and went 7-9 from the field.