EDMOND, Okla. – Rogers State men's basketball (13-12, 9-10 MIAA) fought hard but couldn't pull off the upset as they fell 80-73 against No. 10 Central Oklahoma (22-3, 16-3 MIAA) on Wednesday.

Isaac Johnson led the Hillcats with a season-high 19 points with three rebounds, an assist and a steal. Chris Whitaker put up 18 points with a team-high three assists, two rebounds, an assist and  a steal. Joey Saracco contributed eight points with a team-high seven rebounds, two blocks and a steal. Gerren Jackson added eight points with two rebounds, an assist and a steal.

The Hillcats were on fire out of the gate as opened the game on a 18-7 run. RSU was able to keep the momentum up as they stretched the lead to 24-10 with 10:41 left in the half. The Bronchos finally came alive as they bounced back with a 20-4 run to take their first lead at 30-28 with just under five minutes left. They closed out the half on a 10-5 run to carry a 40-33 advantage into the break.

RSU went to work trimming the deficit out of the locker room beginning the second half on a 17-8 run to retake the lead 50-48. Things grew tight over the next several minutes with seven lead changes and three ties. UCO came out on top making three-straight free throws to go back up 68-65 with three and half minutes left. Unfortunately, the upset bid was not to be as made free throws down the stretch put the game away with the Bronchos eventually taking the 80-73 win.

The Hillcats will look to bounce back on Saturday, Feb. 18 in the regular season road finale in Wichita, Kan. against Newman. Tip off is set for 3:30 p.m.