TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Rogers State men's basketball (7-4, 3-2 MIAA) fell 78-57 to rival Northeastern State (6-3, 3-2 MIAA) on the road on Saturday.
 
Joey Saracco led the Hillcats with his third double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds as well as a steal. Preston Lawrence put up 10 points with three rebounds. Chris Whitaker posted nine points with a rebound, an assist and a steal. Sherwyn Devonish-Prince Jr. dished out a team-high four assists with seven points, four rebounds and a steal.
 
The Hillcats got off to a slow start as the RiverHawks opened the game on a 7-2 run. RSU was able rebound and cut the deficit to 9-8 with a 6-2 run of their own but were unable to complete the comeback as NSU pushed back out to their first double-digit lead of the day at 25-15 with 8:49 left in the half. They then closed out the half on a 15-7 run that included four-straight threes to carry a 40-27 lead into the break.
 
The RiverHawks carried their momentum into the second half. RSU was able to cut the lead to 42-31, but that would be as close as they would get. NSU would continue to build out their lead and take their first 20-point lead at 60-40. Every time the Hillcats would try to mount a comeback or cut into the deficit the RiverHawks had an answer and snuffed it out. They took their largest lead at 75-50 with 3:29 left and eventually took the 78-57 win.
 
The Hillcats will be back in action on Saturday, Dec. 31 as they travel to St. Joseph, Mo. to close out 2022 as they face off against Missouri Western. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m.