CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State women's basketball (8-8, 3-7 MIAA) survived a second half comeback by Lincoln (6-9, 2-7 MIAA) to take a 61-54 win on Thursday.
 
Alayzha Knapp finished two rebounds shy of a double-double by leading all scorers with 17 points and eight rebounds along with two steals, an assist and a block. Kylee Day added 16 points with a rebound and an assist. Trinity Jackson finished two points shy of double-double with eight points and a career-high 15 rebounds (nine on the offensive end) with three blocks and an assist. Kaya Goldsby also contributed eight points with seven rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal.
 
The game was a back-and-forth affair early on with both sides trading baskets with three ties in the first four and half minutes. RSU began to separate themselves as they closed out the quarter on a 12-2 run to carry an 18-10 lead into the second period.
 
The Hillcats kept rolling in the second quarter as they ran out to their largest lead of the game at 35-15 with just under two and a half minutes left in the half. However, Lincoln responded and found their footing as they ripped off a 10-0 run of their own to trim the lead down to 35-25 going into the break.
 
RSU looked to be back in control as they opened the second half on an 8-1 run to push back out to a 43-26 margin. Lincoln again answered with a 13-2 run to get the margin down to 45-39 with just under three minutes left in the period. The Hillcats eventually carried a 50-44 lead into the final quarter.
 
The Blue Tigers kept chipping away at the lead in the final 10 minutes and were able to get within two points at 56-54 with three minutes left. Thankfully, RSU was able to put the game away with five-straight made free throws down the stretch to hold on for the 61-54 victory.
 
The Hillcats will have their work cut out for them in a quick turnaround as they welcome No. 17 Central Missouri to Expo Center on Saturday, Feb. 20. Tipoff is set for 1:30 p.m.