CLAREMORE, Okla. - Rogers State found a way survive on a night when nothing came easy as the Hillcats posted a 72-55 win over Missouri Baptist on day one of Hoopin' for the Cure, presented by Claremore Regional Hospital at the Claremore Expo.
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Juniors Reggie Burnett and Deveric Taylor sparked a bewildered RSU offense by scoring a combined 35 points off the bench while the five Hillcat starters managed a total of 29 points.
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RSU fell behind 8-0 from the outset before rattling off nine straight points to take the lead. A pair of free throws by Matt Kellogg gave the Cats their largest lead of the half at 29-21, with just under two minutes remaining. LeAndre Johnson scored off a Hillcat turnover in the final seconds of the period to cut the margin to five at the break.
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Kellogg scored all 12 of his points before the intermission by going 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Missouri Baptist managed to keep the outcome in doubt for much of the second half. Johnson cut the lead to one with two free throws early in the second period.
The Spartans stayed within striking distance until Taylor, making his first appearance of the season, capped a 9-0 run by the Hillcats with a trey with just under three minutes remaining. Taylor and Burnett teamed up for 25 of their 35 points in the second half. Burnett finished with a game-high 20 on 7-of-12 shooting while Taylor added 15.
Sylvester Spicer was limited to just six points, but he did grab nine rebounds and recorded a career-high four assists. RSU shot 44 percent from the floor overall and held Missouri Baptist to 29 percent shooting. Johnson and Brandon Roberson led the Spartans with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Rogers State (2-1) returns to action Saturday night against Avila University for day two of Hoopin' for the Cure at the Claremore Expo. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. and the game will be carried live on RSU Radio 91.3 FM.
Day two of Hoopin' for the Cure begins at 2 p.m. Saturday with Evangel vs. Ecclesia College. Arlington Baptist and Missouri Baptist will play at 4 p.m. followed by the RSU women vs. Texas Wesleyan at 6 p.m. and the RSU men at 8 p.m. Festivities include a silent auction with signed memorabilia, OU, OSU, and Arkansas basketball tickets, golf packages, a fire pit and more, along with in-game contests featuring prizes such as a 42 inch television.
