CLAREMORE, Okla. – The Rogers State women's basketball team shot a sizzling 52.2 percent and pulled away for a 75-66 win over St. Mary's on Thursday (Jan. 18) at the Claremore Expo Center. The victory snapped a six-game losing streak for the Hillcats. RSU moved to 5-11 and earned its first Heartland Conference win to improve to 1-4 in league play.
 
After holding a slight 29-27 edge at halftime, the Hillcats used a strong third period to gain a 47-39 lead after 30 minutes. Nikola Nedoroscikova knocked down a 3-pointer to give the Cats a 40-33 advantage at the 3:55 mark. RSU got hot again from deep when Desiree Nelson connected from 3 for a 45-37 score with 47 seconds left in the period. After a Rattler basket, Kamry Chamberlain sank two free throws for the 47-39 lead after three periods.
 
The Cats extended the margin to as high as 13 points in the fourth period after two Lauren Schuldt free throws at the 5:15 mark made it 57-44. RSU went on to win by the 75-66 score.
 
The navy and red hit 24-of-46 shots for 52.2 percent, the second-best shooting percentage of the season. The Cats shot better than 50 percent for the second straight game after shooting 52.1 percent on Saturday at St. Edward's. In the first half, RSU went 12-of-22 shooting for 54.6 percent. The Cats hit a season-best 88 percent (22-25) of their free throws.  
 
Schuldt totaled 19 points and nine rebounds. Darian Jackson posted 15 points and nine rebounds. Desiree Nelson hit four 3-pointers for 14 points. Nedoroscikova tallied a game-high six assists.
 
StMU's Soteria Banks scored a game-high 25 points, and Arysia Porter added 21 points for the Rattlers.
 
The Hillcats continue their homestand with Texas A&M International on Saturday (Jan. 20) at 1 p.m. at the Claremore Expo Center. Coverage will be available on the Hillcat Network, 91.3 FM and on RSU TV.