ASKIATOOK, Okla. — Rogers State men's basketball (0-1) fell to Ouachita Baptist (1-0), 64-54, in the opening game of the 2025-26 campaign on Friday night at the Brooks Walton Activity Center.
Rogers State started the first half by overcoming an early deficit, with
Tim Jordan Jr. executing a dunk assisted by
Benard Omooria at 19:26. The team capitalized on turnovers and strong rebounding to briefly take the lead with a score of 19-16 following a dunk by
Angus Ole at 10:54. RSU maintained a competitive edge through a series of strategic plays, including a steal by
Stephon Thomas leading to a layup at 0:40, which helped close the gap.
Despite the effort, Ouachita Baptist regained control. RSU's defensive stops and timely free throws by
Damondre McKnight kept the game tight. The half concluded with the Hillcats trailing 32-27, setting a competitive tone for the remainder of the game.
RSU opened the second half trailing and faced an early setback as Christian Parks' dunk for the Tigers cut into their lead.
Midway through the half, RSU capitalized on several free throws, with
Stephon Thomas and
Caden Fry contributing at the line to narrow the gap. However, Ouachita Baptist's Gavin Snyder and Ryder McConnell answered with pivotal three-pointers and free throws.
As the half closed, RSU continued to battle, with
Jabryn Anderson's layup and Fry's free throws keeping the score within reach. Despite their efforts, the Tigers held a 62–54 lead at the end of the half.
Andrew Mason scored 12 points and collected five rebounds. Fry tallied 10 points and seven rebounds for the Hillcats.
RSU struggled from the free-throw line, finishing 18-31. Additionally, they shot 20-52 from the field, and were out rebounded 46-35.
Devon Hancock led the team with 15 points, shooting 5-for-14 from the field and adding two steals. Parks contributed significantly with 10 points and a team-high four blocks, while collecting nine rebounds. PJ Neal facilitated the offense with five assists and added nine points and four rebounds. Jaxon Conley played a strong defensive game with four steals and seven rebounds. Snyder made an impact from beyond the arc, hitting three of four 3-point attempts to total nine points.
The Hillcats will return to action tomorrow against Harding at 4:30 p.m. at Skiatook High School.
