CHICKASHA, Okla. - Rogers State started slow but was able to flip the switch and pull out another road win as the Hillcats topped the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, 71-63 in Chickasha Saturday night.
Junior guard Eric Young had a performance that put him in the RSU record books with 25 points to tie teammate Sylvester Spicer for the single-game scoring record.
The Drovers jumped out to a 10-1 lead over the number one team in the nation at the outset. Young was productive in the first half with 10 points. The Drovers however hit 4-of-5 3-pointers in the opening frame. The Hillcats answered with a half court press that opened up the fast break scoring with eight points in transition. The defensive switch helped RSU eliminate a Drover lead of 13 points and cut the USAO lead to nine at the half.
In the second half the Hillcats opened with a 14-4 run to gain their first lead of the game at the 13:58 mark. Young went to work in the second half, scoring 15 of his 25 points and playing a majority of the game in the post. Young did not attempt a single 3-pointer and was perfect from the free throw line, hitting 7-of-7.
Senior guard Aldric Reynolds had an excellent game, shooting 100 percent from the field and finishing with 13 points for Lloyd Williams' squad. Roderick Rodgers had his first double digit scoring output in five games with 12 points off the bench.
RSU, the nation's best 3-point shooting team, shot exceptionally poor from behind the arc, finishing with only two treys on 18 percent shooting. The Hillcats had an improved display from the free throw line making 76 percent as a team.
USAO had four players reach double figures in the scoring column, led by Eli Flores with 18. Jamaal McCoy and reserve Adam Shoffit finished with 12 apiece while Calen Parks scored 10. It was the Drovers 23 turnovers that made the difference as RSU capitalized with 33 points off turnover and tallied 14 steals.
Rogers State (23-1, 17-1) posted its tenth straight win and remains tied with Oklahoma Baptist for first place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings. The Hillcats return to Western Oklahoma next week as they travel to Oklahoma City to face Mid-America Christian Thursday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. and the games will be carried live on RSU Radio 91.3 FM.
