CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State men's basketball (12-11, 8-9 MIAA) fought hard but came up short as No. 4 Northwest Missouri (22-2, 15-2 MIAA) took a 67-51 win on Thursday.
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Two Hillcats finished in double figures.
Joey Saracco led RSU with 11 points to go with four rebounds, an assist and a block.
Kofi Hamilton put up 10 points with a rebound and an assist.
Caden Fry added seven points with three rebounds.
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The game was close early as the Hillcats didn't allow the Bearcats to build more than a five point lead six minutes in. RSU began to find some momentum as they were able to cut the deficit down to one point at 13-12 and eventually tied the game and took the lead at 17-16 with 7:38 left in the half. NWMSU retook the lead on the ensuing possession, but the Hillcats stayed within striking distance the remainder of the period, only trailing 24-23 going into the break.
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In the second half, the Bearcats took the game over as they came out of the locker room and went on a 14-4 run to open the period and push out to a 38-27 lead. The Hillcats got the lead back down to five points at 38-33 with six-straight points, but that would be as close as they got. NWMSU wasted no time pushing the margin back out to double digits and out scored RSU 43-28 in the second half to take the 67-51 win.
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The Hillcats will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 11 as they play host to Missouri Western on Homecoming. Tip off is set for 3:30 p.m.
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