FORT SMITH, Ark. – The Rogers State Men's Basketball team fell in an overtime thriller Wednesday night, falling to the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith 77-76 in Heartland Conference play.
 
The Hillcats (15-7, 4-4 Heartland) had to rally from 13 points down at one point, but overcame the deficit over the final 5:43, large in part to eight points from Jordan Johnson and five points from Tavian Davis. Johnson tied the game at 70 with 2:01 remaining and neither team scored for the remainder of regulation.
 
Arkansas-Fort Smith (9-12, 3-6) would take the lead three different times in overtime headed into the final possession, with the Hillcats matching the hosts each time on the following possession.
 
However, the Lions would be fouled with 1.2 seconds remaining and Chris Crawford sank one of his two free throws to put the hosts in front. Tavian Davis was able to get a shot off from the back court, but missed as time expired.
 
Saint Hilaire led the Hillcats in scoring, finishing with 17 points. Hilaire had four rebounds and three assists.
 
Chase Littlejohn had a strong night from behind the arc, going 4-of-6 on his way to 16 points. Littlejohn also had three rebounds and a steal.
 
Tate Turner was the only other Hillcat in double figures, finishing with 10 points and a team high seven rebounds. Brewster Peacock also had seven boards to go along with seven points.
 
Tavian Davis led the Hillcats with three steals. He also had nine points to go along with four rebounds.
 
Rogers State will have a week off before returning to action on Wednesday, February 6, when the Hillcats host Dallas Baptist at the Claremore Expo. The Hillcats will tip off with the Patriots at 7:30 p.m.