EDMOND, Okla. – Rogers State men's basketball fell to Central Oklahoma 93-83 in MIAA play Thursday night at the Hamilton Field House.
 
Jett Sternberger scored a new career high 28 points to lead all scorers in the game, but it wasn't enough for the Hillcats (9-10, 9-10 MIAA) as the Bronchos (10-7, 10-7 MIAA) got hot shooting in the second half to pull away.
 
How It Happened: The teams battled back-and-forth early and were tied up at 13 seven minutes into the game before Rogers State would take control with a 15-2 run.
 
Sternberger had seven points on the run and added six more points before Central Oklahoma climbed back in late in the half with a 12-0 run to close the half and tie the game at 36 at the break.
 
After a couple early three pointers from the Hillcats to start the second half, Central Oklahoma responded and took the lead at 45-44 and let it go.
 
The Hillcats kept pace with the Bronchos into the final nine minutes, but Central Oklahoma would use a 12-0 run to pull ahead going into the final six minutes.
 
Rogers State would cut the deficit to single digits on several occasions but could never get back to within striking distance of the Bronchos.
 
Key Statistics: Central Oklahoma converted nine offensive rebounds into 25 second-chance points, outscoring the Hillcats by 13 in the category.
 
The Bronchos shot 57 percent (17-for-30) in the second half to pull away from the Hillcats, who were just 40 percent (15-for-37) from the field.
 
Players of Note: Sternberger was 10-for-18 for the game with a trio of three pointers to set a new career high. Sternberger's previous high was 24 in the regular season finale at Emporia State last year. Sternberger also had four rebounds and an assist to go with his 28 points.
 
Devin Pullum was second in scoring for the Hillcats, finishing with 17 points. Pullum also had four rebounds, two assists and a steal.
 
Brewster Peacock finished with 13 points on the night. Peacock led the Hillcats with six rebounds and also had a pair of assists and a steal.
 
Cole Kinnamon wrapped up the Hillcats in double figures, finishing with 10 points on 4-for-6 shooting including a pair of three pointers. He also had three rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
 
Notes form the Game: Rogers State was outrebounded 44-29 on the glass. Offensive rebounds were 9-8 in favor of the hosts, but Central Oklahoma led 35-21 in defensive boards.
 
Rogers State was 18-for-21 from the free throw line. Central Oklahoma finished the night 27-for-36 from the stripe.
 
The Hillcats forced 17 turnovers and converted them into 20 points. Rogers State had just seven turnovers in the game, their third-straight game in single digits.
 
Up Next: The Hillcats will remain on the road on Saturday, making a trip to Wichita, Kansas to take on former Heartland Conference rival Newman in an MIAA showdown. Rogers State will tip off with the Jets at 3:30 p.m. inside Fugate Gymnasium.