CLAREMORE, Okla. - The Hillcats started the game like the weather, cold. Rogers State held on in the final minutes to capture a victory over Southwestern College 56-53 in the first game back from an 18-day winter break.

Head Coach Amy Williams' squad held a six point lead with less than five minutes remaining but turnovers played the difference late and allowed Southwestern College to make it a two point ball game with 39 seconds left. Jenny Hardin was fouled on the inbound pass and missed the free shot. Hardin however stole an errant Lady Builders pass and was fouled with three seconds remaining. Hardin knocked down the first of the bonus free throws with the second drawing iron. A Lady Builder rebound allowed Allie Bufford a three-point attempt from 25-feet that flew high giving the Hillcats the victory.

The Lady Builders of Southwestern College built a nine point lead in the first half as the Hillcats played lackadaisical coming off winter break. But a three pointer by Jenny Hardin with just less than eight minutes left in the first half put the Hillcats on a 19-6 run to finish the half with the lead at 30-26.

Rogers State seemed to have turned things around in the second half building an 11 point lead. Hardin scored ten of her game high 15 points in the second half and finished with eight rebounds. The Hillcats spread the scoring wealth with every player seeing time registering points in the scorebook.

Southwestern College (9-4) was led by Jordan Jarnagin with 14 points and tallying 11 of those in the second half to keep the Lady Builders in the game. Jasmine Manuel registered 10 points in 34 minutes of play for Southwestern College.

Rogers State (10-1) returns to the Sooner Athletic Conference slate on Saturday with a road trip to Oklahoma Christian. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the game will be carried live on RSU Radio 91.3 FM. For more information on Hillcat Basketball visit www.rsuhillcats.com