STILLWATER, Okla. - Too many turnovers and too much Terrel Harris spelled doom for Rogers State as Oklahoma State downed the Hillcats 112-75 Wednesday in Stillwater, Okla.
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Harris, a senior from Dallas, scored a career-high 32 points on 11-of-16 shooting, including six 3-pointers. He ignited an impressive shooting performance by the Cowboys in Travis Ford's debut at Gallagher-Iba Arena. OSU converted 15-of-34 shots from behind the arc and hit 54 percent of its shots overall to run away from RSU.
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The Hillcats didn't do themselves any favors, committing a record 18 turnovers in the first half. RSU trailed 12-6 six minutes into the contest, but committed six turnovers over the next four minutes. James Anderson gave the Cowboys and double digit lead with a three at the 12 minute mark and OSU eventually grew its lead to 32-10 with a 10-0 run.
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Eric Young, who led RSU with a career-high 21 points, capped an 8-0 run for the Hillcats with a steal and a dunk to make it 32-18 with 8:25 remaining in the first half. However, the Cats would get no closer. Harris buried a three in the final minute of the first half to give OSU a comfortable 55-27 lead at the break.
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RSU kept pace with the Cowboys torrid pace in the second half but was unable to cut into the lead. The Hillcats nearly doubled their scoring production in the second frame but were still outscored 57-48. Ford's club finished the night a blistering 53 percent from the floor with five players posting double figures in the scoring column.
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Young hit 3-of-4 shots from beyond the arc and finished 7-for-11 from the floor. Sylvester Spicer added 12 points and six rebounds while Abram Donlon added 10 points and four rebounds. That output couldn't offset the 28 points OSU scored off of RSU's 29 turnovers.
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After splitting a pair of exhibitions the Hillcats will turn their attention to the official season opener Saturday. The Hillcats will host Tabor College (Hillsboro, Kan.) for Homecoming at the Claremore Expo. Tip-off is slated for 4 p.m. and the game can be heard live on RSU Radio 91.3 FM. The game will also be aired in tape delay on RSU Public Television (Cox Cable Channel 19).
