MARYVILLE, Mo. – Rogers State men's basketball (13-10, 10-7 MIAA) battled No. 11 Northwest Missouri (20-4, 16-2 MIAA) but fell 84-63 on the road Thursday.
 
Isaac Johnson led the Hillcats with 19 points along with three rebounds, three steals and two assists. Kofi Hamilton added 12 points, four rebounds, two steals, an assist and a block. Rodney Battle contributed nine points with four rebounds and three assists.
 
The Bearcats took control of the game early as they opened on a 7-2 run and eventually pushed out to a 12-4 lead three and half minutes in. Down 19-11, the Hillcats began to show signs of life as they were able to string together a 8-2 run of their own to get the lead within two points at 21-19 just over halfway through period. However, Northwest responded with a 9-3 run to go back up 32-24 and eventually carried a 39-30 advantage into the break.
 
The second half was all Bearcats as they outscored RSU 45-33 in the final 20 minutes. After a three pointer from Isaac Johnson to start the half, Northwest rattled off six quick points to take their first double digit lead at 45-33. They eventually took their largest lead of the game at 82-58 and claimed the win 84-63.
 
The Hillcats will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 17 as they travel to St. Joseph, Mo. to face off against Missouri Western. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m.