COMMERCE, Texas – The Rogers State women's basketball team could not make a late, second-half lead stand falling in overtime, 62-55, on the road at Texas A&M-Commerce in non-conference action Saturday at The Field House.
 
The Hillcats surrendered an 11-1 run to the Lions to even the game at the end of regulation while the home side controlled the extra period from the start securing the victory.
 
RSU got off to a slow start offensively being held scoreless for nearly five minutes until Kami Bunch scored on a three pointer after falling behind 3-0 and the Lions raced ahead with a 10-1 run leading 13-4.
 
The Hillcats closed the opening half with six of the final seven points closing the gap to 27-24 and battled back to take its first lead of the afternoon, 33-32, on a layup from Jackie Bueno followed by a three pointer from Jalissa Felici.
 
The long ball helped push the Hillcats' lead to double figures, 49-39, as Felici knocked down another shot from downtown before Mikaila Newton converted a pair of free throws with 3:47 remaining in regulation.
 
The Lions scored the next seven points clawing their way back into the game and Bunch hit the second of two free throws keeping RSU in front 50-46 with 17 seconds on the clock. A&M Commerce's Natalie Hessong hit a three from six feet behind the arc cutting the RSU lead to one, 50-49, with 11 seconds to play, marking the only three of the second half for the Lions on 12 attempts. La'Tisha Hearne connected on a free throw knotting the score forcing overtime as she scored 16 of her game-high 20 points from the charity stripe.
 
In overtime, Gabby Scott drained a three pointer on the first possession for the Lions and they did not give up the lead closing out their second-straight win, 62-55, in the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
 
Newton led the Hillcats with 13 points while Bunch joined her in double-figures with 10 points. RSU knocked down a season-high 10 three pointers in the game as five different players hit from behind the arc with Newton and Felici each connecting on three.
 
RSU (1-5 overall) returns home for its final two non-conference games starting with Northeastern State Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. for the Holiday Hoops Extravaganza where fans are encouraged to wear an ugly, holiday-themed sweater for a chance to win an RSU prize pack. The game will also be available on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.