CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State men's basketball (8-3, 1-1 MIAA) couldn't contain Pittsburg State (6-3, 2-0 MIAA) in the second half as they suffered their first league loss 93-78 on Saturday.
 
Four Hillcats finished in double figures. Kofi Hamilton led RSU with 14 points to go with three rebounds, a block and a steal. Benard Omooria posted 12 points with two rebounds. Andrew Mason added 11 points with two rebounds, two steals and a block. Anthony Marshall Jr. contributed 10 points with two assists and a rebound.
 
The first half was incredibly close with eight lead changes and four ties. The Gorillas got off to a fast start as they opened the game on a 15-8 run four minutes in. The Hillcats responded with an 18-7 run of their own to take their first lead at 26-22 midway through the half. From there, things continued to go back and forth with RSU taking 46-44 lead with under a minute left, but PSU tied things up at 46 all headed into the break with a dunk with about 30 seconds left.
 
In the second half, Pitts State took the game over as they opened the period on a 9-2 run to go up 55-48. They took their first double digit lead at 75-61 as part of a 7-0 run with 8:37 left. The Hillcats were able to get the deficit briefly under double figures at 78-87 with a 1:28 remaining, but that would be as close as they would get. The Gorillas eventually took the 93-78 win.
 
RSU will look to regroup and return to action on Saturday, Dec. 14 as they play host to Southwestern Christian in the final home game of the calendar year. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m.