FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Rogers State men's basketball unofficially opened the 2022-23 season in an exhibition game against Southeastern Conference opponent Arkansas on Monday.
 
The Hillcats fell 83-49 in the affair.
 
Two Hillcats put up double-digits on the night. Newcomer Sherwyn Devonish-Prince Jr. paced RSU with 13 points and an assist. Senior Gerren Jackson put up 11 points with a rebound. Freshman Caden Fry added seven points with three rebounds, two assists and a steal. Senior Joey Saracco led the team with seven rebounds along with six points.
 
Other point scorers included newcomers Isaac Johnson, Azarien Stephens and Sam Davidson with six, two, and two points, respectively. Sophomore Josh Price also knocked down two points.
 
While the Hillcats were slow to start on offense, their defense was able to keep the Razorbacks in check somewhat as they kept the deficit to single digits midway through the period. With less than 10 minutes left in the half, RSU only trailed 19-11. However, Arkansas took a 37-20 lead into the locker room.
 
The Hillcats looked their best offensively in the second half. RSU shot 42 percent (12-28) from the floor in the final 20 minutes. The Hillcats really shined at the free throw line as they went 14-for-17 for 82 percent in the game.
 
RSU officially kicks off the 2022-23 campaign on Friday, Nov. 11 as they host the Holiday Inn Express Regional Challenge beginning with a matchup against Southwest Minnesota State. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. inside the Claremore Expo Center.