MARYVILLE, Mo. – Rogers State men's basketball (8-5, 4-3 MIAA) fell 87-65 to defending national champion, No. 6 Northwest Missouri (13-1, 6-1 MIAA) on Monday to close out a three-game road trip.
 
Three Hillcats finished in double figures on the night. Chris Whitaker led RSU with 18 points to go with two rebounds, two assists and a steal. Isaac Johnson posted a season-high 12 points with a team-high three rebounds, two steals and an assist. Joey Saracco contributed 10 points with a rebound and an assist.
 
RSU could not have asked for a better start as they opened the game with a 7-0 run in the first minute and a half. However, the Bearcats quickly roared to life with a 12-3 run to take their first lead at 12-10. From there, both teams traded shots back and forth for most of the half. However, NMWSU slowly began to build out their lead and went up 42-32 with just under three minutes remaining in the period. They eventually carried a 49-37 advantage into the locker room.
 
In the second half, the Hillcats tried to battle their way back into the game, but every time RSU began to find some success the Bearcats snuffed out any momentum they had built up. NWMSU methodically began to extend their lead. At one point they went on an 8-0 run to push out to a 79-54 margin. They took their largest lead of the game at 84-58, but the Hillcats were able trim it down to an 87-65 final score down the stretch.
 
RSU will return home for the first time in 2023 on Thursday, Jan. 5 as they play host to Newman. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m.