WARRENSBURG, Mo. – For the second time this week, Rogers State men's basketball (9-8, 5-6 MIAA) came up short in overtime with Central Missouri (8-9, 4-7 MIAA) taking a 78-77 win on Saturday.
This is the second time this year two Hillcats finished with at least 20 points apiece in a game.
Joey Saracco led the way matching his career-high with his fourth double-double of the season scoring 26 points with 13 rebounds to go with an assist and a block.
Chris Whitaker put up 20 points with four rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Kofi Hamilton contributed seven points with four rebounds.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair with both sides ripping off points runs to trade the leads. RSU started hot with a quick 6-0 lead to open the game. The Mules responded with an 8-2 run to take their first lead of the day at 10-8. The Hillcats punched back with seven-straight points to go back up 15-10. They were able to hold the advantage for several minutes until the momentum swung back to UCM, who closed out the half on a 9-2 run to carry a 26-20 advantage into the break.
The Hillcats seemed to be back in the driver's seat at the start of the second half as began the period on a 5-1 run to cut the deficit to 27-25. However, RSU would go cold for a spell as the Mules built out their lead to its largest at 49-36. But the Hillcats found their footing again, going to work trimming the margin and eventually retaking the lead 56-54 after a 20-5 run with 6:32 left. The Mules would fight to keep the game close down the stretch and eventually jumped back on top briefly at 64-62 with just under two minutes left. However, a jumper from
Chris Whitaker with 1:26 left would force overtime for the second straight game at 64-64.
In the overtime period, the Hillcats couldn't find the offensive momentum to overcome the Mules as UCM made more shots and made critical free throws to take the 78-77 win.
RSU will be back in action on Thursday, Jan. 19 as they return home to welcome Pittsburg State inside the Claremore Expo Center. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m.
