CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State women's basketball (1-0) started the Heather Davis Era in grand fashion with a thrilling 84-74 win over MSU Moorhead (0-1) in the second game of the Holiday Inn Express Classic on Friday.
 
Two Hillcats finished in double figures in the win. Alayzha Knapp made her presence known as she finished just two points shy of the single game school record with 36 points and finished three rebounds shy of a double-double with a team-high seven boards as well as three assists, a block and a steal. Freshman Amaya Gallegos also made some noise in her debut with 12 points, five rebounds, an assist and a steal. Kylee Day posted nine points with two rebounds and an assist. Both Alyza Aikins and Trinity Jackson contributed eight points apiece with Aikins adding three rebounds and a steal while Jackson added a team-high seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
 
RSU came out the gate on fire as they opened the game on a 7-2 run in the first two minutes. The Dragons battled back though and took their first lead 14-12 with just under four minutes left in the period. The two sides traded points and leads for the rest of the quarter and went into the final 10 minutes of the half deadlocked at 21 all.

Things stayed tight in the early stages of the second quarter with six lead changes in the first three minutes. However, RSU began to pull away as they went on a 14-4 run to go up 43-34 with under three minutes left. MSUM fought back and were able to cut the deficit to 46-42 heading into the break.
 
RSU started the second half just as hot as the first as they dashed out to a 52-42 lead thanks to a 6-0 run in the first three and half minutes. The Dragons responded but were only able to get as close as 56-52 in the quarter, with the Hillcats closing out the period on a 5-2 run to push back out to 61-55.
 
In the final 10 minutes, RSU took their largest lead of the game at 73-59 thanks to a 12-4 run. MSUM tried to make a late comeback but were only able to get within five points at 73-68. The Hillcats were able to hold them at bay and eventually took the 84-74 victory.
 
RSU will close out the Holiday Inn Express Classic tomorrow as they face off against Northern State. Tipoff is for 4 p.m.