MARYVILLE, Mo. – Rogers State men's basketball (5-1, 0-2 MIAA) dropped a 90-57 decision to No. 2 Northwest Missouri (8-1, 2-0 MIAA) on Saturday.

Devin Pullum led the Hillcats with 21 points as well as two rebounds and a steal. Joey Saracco added 13 points with two rebounds. Jared Pearre contributed a team-high seven rebounds in addition to two points a steal.

The Bearcats went to work in a hurry to start the game as they opened on a 20-4 run. The Hillcats showed some fight as they battled back to trim the deficit to 22-14 midway through the half. Unfortunately, they couldn't hold on as the defending national champions continued to string together lengthy point runs and took a 46-27 lead into the break.

The second half didn't get much better as the Bearcats opened the period on a 14-4 run to push out to 60-31 advantage. For the remainder of the game, NWMSU outscored RSU 30-26 en route to a 90-57 victory.

The Hillcats will be back in action on Wednesday, Dec. 8 as they return to the Claremore Expo Center to face off against Pittsburg State in the MIAA home opener. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.