TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Rogers State men's basketball (15-11, 9-12 MIAA) erased a 19-point halftime deficit against Northeastern State (14-13, 9-12 MIAA), but came up short in a 65-60 heartbreaker on Wednesday.
 
Devin Pullum led all scorers with 16 points as well as three steals and an assist. Tylan Dean put up 14 points with six rebounds, two assists and a steal. Brewster Peacock posted eight points with four rebounds. Both Preston Lawrence and Gerren Jackson were crucial off the bench as they both contributed seven points apiece, with Lawrence adding six rebounds and Jackson adding three rebounds, two assists and a steal.
 
The RiverHawks started the game on fire as they dash out to 10-0 lead in the first four minutes. RSU didn't score until the 12:23 mark of the first half when Jordan Coblin finally knocked down a jumper in the paint. The Hillcats struggled to find their footing for the entire period as they trailed 31-12 headed into the half.
 
However, a different team emerged from the visitor's locker room to open the second half as the Hillcats came out ready to fight, outscoring NSU 48-34 in the period. RSU started the half on a 14-7 run to trim the deficit to 38-26 at 15:31. They then pulled off a 15-3 run to get the margin to two possessions at 52-48 with 5:39 left. The Hillcats took their first lead of the game at 58-57 as Tylan Dean drained a shot from downtown with just over a minute remaining. Unfortunately, NSU got three quick points on the next trip down the court with a layup and a free throw to go back up 60-58. The RiverHawks' Tylor Arnold put the game away with a heartbreaking three pointer with seven seconds left.
 
RSU will get an opportunity to right the loss immediately as both teams will square off in the regular season finale on Saturday, Feb. 26 inside the Claremore Expo Center. Tipoff is slated for 3:30 p.m.