LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Rogers State men's basketball (4-1) took their first loss of the season after they were unable to hold off a late comeback in a 79-78 game against Harding (1-1) in the final game of the Central Region Challenge on Saturday.
 
"We are obviously disappointed in the outcome," said Head Coach Justin Barkley. "We never could get our footing on the defensive end. However, there have been a lot of bright spots over the first five games, but also areas for improvement. We are looking forward to working on those things and continuing to get better."
 
Five Hillcats finished in double figures on the night. Caden Fry and Kofi Hamilton both led RSU with 15 points apiece. Fry added six rebounds, an assist and a steal while Hamilton added four rebounds, three steals and a block. Jabryn Anderson and Benard Omooria both put up 11 points. Anderson added five rebounds, five assists and a steal while Omooria added a rebound and an assist. Sam Davidson contributed 10 points with a rebound and an assist.
 
It was a tight game from the start with seven lead changes in the first six minutes. The Hillcats pulled in front 17-13 thanks to a 10-0 run with 13 minutes left. They controlled the game for most of the half until the Bison tied the game back at 32-32. However, RSU closed out the half on an 11-6 run to take a 43-38 lead into the break.
 
The second half started just as close as the first with three ties in the first eight minutes. From there, things stayed close, but the Hillcats refused to give up the lead as they had an answer every time Harding tied the game. Unfortunately, the Bison were able to put together a 9-7 run down the stretch to steal the 79-78 decision.
 
The Hillcats will close out the season-opening road trip on Saturday, Nov. 16 with a stop in Springfield, Mo. for a matchup against Drury. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.