CLAREMORE, Okla. - The Rogers State men's basketball team kicked off the regular season with a 96-65 win over Dallas Christian on Thursday night at the Claremore Expo.

The Hillcats pulled away late in the first half and never looked back. Senior Larry Cox poured in 18 points to lead RSU. Junior A.J. Stewart followed with 17 points while Justynn Hammond and Kendrell Thompson added 12 points apiece.

The two teams traded buckets in the early going before the Hillcats used a 12-2 run capped off with a layup by senior Meneptha Darden. The Cats padded the lead in the final ten minutes of the first stanza, out-shooting the Crusaders, 20-4. RSU took a 51-32 led into the locker room at the break.

It was more of the same in the second frame as the Cats continued to pour on the points. RSU shot 60 percent from the field, 6-of-16 from long distance and 69 percent from the charity stripe.

 The Hillcat victory came despite committing 21 turnovers and dishing out just 18 assists. The Crusaders nabbed 11 steals on the night with turning over the ball 16 times. 

Isaac Gonzalez led DC with 24 points and 10 rebounds. He was the only player to record a double-double in the contest.

Rogers State (1-0) will return to action at the Claremore Expo on Monday evening as the Hillcats face Central Bible College at 7 p.m. The game will be streamed live at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.