CLAREMORE, Okla. - Rogers State men's basketball (6-1) rolled past Haskell (3-9) with an 85-56 decision in the home opener on Cherokee Nation Night at the Expo Center on Wednesday.
 
"I very happy to get a win in our home opener," said Head Coach Justin Barkley. "Unfortunately, we were a little too sloppy tonight, especially as we get closer to conference play in a couple of weeks. Kofi came alive and got moving once he got in a rhythm. Our forwards off the bench, both Aydan and Angus, did a nice job tonight and I'm really proud of those guys. Andrew also got us going with some athletic plays early."
 
Four Hillcats finished in double figures. The trio of Kofi Hamilton, Andrew Mason and Aydan Perdue led all scorers with 18 points apiece. Hamilton finished a rebound shy of a double-double with nine boards, three blocks and an assist. Perdue also pulled down seven rebounds with a block, while Mason added five rebounds, two steals and an assist. Caden Fry contributed 10 points with four rebounds and an assist.
 
The Hillcats got off to a fast start as they raced out to a 13-2 lead in the first four minutes. The Indians were able to brush off the slow start and began battling back as they went on a 15-4 run midway through the half to tie the game at 23-23. However, RSU responded by closing out the period on a 15-4 run of their own to go back up and carry a 38-27 advantage into the break.
 
RSU cranked up the offense in the second half as they started the period on a 10-2 run to go up 48-29 in the first two minutes. They continued to pour it on as they took their largest lead of the game at 77-41 with just over seven minutes remaining. The Hillcats eventually claimed the 85-56 win.
 
RSU will be back in action on Saturday, Nov. 23 as they return to the road with a trip to Magnolia, Ark. for a meeting with Southern Arkansas. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.