EDMOND, Okla. – Rogers State women's basketball (6-6, 0-3 MIAA) led for the majority of the game on the road at Central Oklahoma (3-9, 2-1 MIAA), but the Bronchos caught fire in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 58-54 deficit for RSU at Hamilton Fieldhouse on Sunday.

"I am proud of how we played in the first half, but in the second half and late in the game, they hit shots and we could not hit shots," said Head Coach Heather Davis. "When they hit their shots, they overtook the game and executed better than we did. We have to be better mentally when our shots don't fall, because we also turned it over and gave up too many offensive boards to allow them to score. We also struggled with free throws and have to improve in those areas."

Ella Hafer led the team in scoring with 11 points and recorded eight rebounds. Bailey Layman scored 10 points. Jaiana Wiggins got after it on defense with eight rebounds and five blocks, which is a season high for her. Kate Melton dished out five assists. 

Both teams struggled to score early, but RSU got hot late in the first quarter as they drained four 3-pointers. RSU led 17-12 going into the second quarter. The early moments of the second quarter featured two lead changes, but the Hillcats began to pull away and eventually built out a double-digit lead at 39-29 going into the half.

RSU came out in the third quarter defending quite well. They did not allow a point until the 5:43 mark when the Bronchos made a pair of free throws.  Despite the Hillcats locking down UCO early, the Bronchos closed out the quarter on a 6-0 run, with RSU leading 48-39 going into the fourth quarter.

The Bronchos began to mount a comeback in the final 10 minutes and took the lead for good at 55-54 with 1:06 left. The Hillcats could not find answer for UCO's final push and came up short 58-54. 

RSU will take a break for the holidays and return to action back in Claremore in the new year on Thursday, Jan. 2 when they host Newman. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.