CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State men's basketball (12-9, 9-6 MIAA) came out on top in a wild 83-76 over Emporia State (14-9, 7-8 MIAA) on Homecoming Saturday. With the win, they moved to a perfect 6-0 at home, 8-4 all-time, against the Hornets.
 
Four Hillcats finished in double figures in the win. Rodney Battle led all scorers with a season-high 24 points to go with three rebounds and an assist. Anthony Marshall Jr. also put up a season high 19 points with four rebounds, a team-high five assists and two steals. Kofi Hamilton added 15 points with four rebounds, an assist, a block and a steal. Evan Anderson contributed 11 points with a team-high five rebounds, two assists and a steal.
 
This game was extremely close from the jump with 12 lead changes and 12 ties across its entirety. RSU was able to get control with a 6-4 lead early on before the Hornets grabbed their first lead at 9-6 three minutes in. They were able to maintain the advantage for the next several minutes until the Hillcats used a 6-0 run to go back in front 18-16 with 11:17 left. From there, the two sides traded baskets for the remainder of the half with neither team able to get more than a two-possession lead. RSU held on to a slim 37-34 margin headed into the break.
 
The second half played out just like the first. However, the Hillcats were able to build up their largest lead of the game thanks to a 9-2 run midway through the period to go up 58-49. The Hornets followed that up with a 10-2 run of their own to get within one point at 60-59. RSU was able to distance themselves again with another 9-2 run for a 69-61 lead. The closest ESU was able to get down the stretch was at 70-68 with 3:31 left, thanks to a 7-1 run. The Hillcats were able to salt the game away under two minutes as they made 10-straight shots from the charity stripe to seal the 83-76 win.
 
RSU will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 10 as they travel to Tahlequah, Okla. to face off against archrival Northeastern State. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m.