SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. - They say the third time's a charm and it proved true on Thursday evening as No. 7 seed Oklahoma Christian upset the No. 2 seeded Rogers State men's basketball team, 83-77, at the Meisner Aircraft Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament at Bill George Arena on the campus of John Brown (Ark.).

The Hillcats swept the regular season series in thrilling fashion on both occasions as RSU won by a combined five points. Despite a 27-point performance by Donald Williams and 21 points from Kendrell Thompson the Hillcats couldn't seal the win.

The opening stanza was back and forth the whole way with the Cats taking their largest lead of five at intermission. Maurice Rutherford started the 6-0 run by converting two free throws and Thompson ended the half with a layup as the Cats held a 39-34 advantage at the break.

The Hillcats quickly increased their lead to eight points early in the second frame but the lead wouldn't last long. The score was knotted seven times with seven lead changes in the final period as each team clung to a single digit lead. OC used a 6-0 run to take a 54-52 lead however, Williams answered with back-to-back three pointers to give the Cats a four-point advantage. With one minute to play in the contest Thompson drained an off balance trey and drew a foul from the top of the arc, however he was unable to complete the four-point play, leaving the game tied, 77-77.

With 42 seconds remaining, OC answered with a quick bucket by Eric Randall and the Eagles earned a stop on the defensive end to force the Hillcats to foul. The Eagles drilled two pairs of free throws to register the victory.

Will Reinke and Kendre Talley recorded 18 points apiece to lead the Eagles.

The Hillcats shot 65 percent from the charity stripe, converting just 5-of-12 in the second stanza.  The Hillcats attempted a season-high 41 free throws in the contest.

Rogers State (22-8) will await its fate at the Buffalo Funds NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City, Mo. March 15-21.