BETHANY, Okla. — Senior Andrew Mason's career-tying shooting performance (22 Points) helped the RSU men's basketball team (4-1) to an 83-65 victory over Southeastern Oklahoma State (1-4) in the opening game of the SNU Conference Challenge at Sawyer Center on Friday. The Hillcats extend their win streak to four games with the win.

Rogers State dominated in the paint, scoring 56 points compared to Southeastern's 16, and forced 12 turnovers, converting them into 21 points. Despite the Savage Storm's 13 three-pointers, the Hillcats maintained control, leading throughout the game without relinquishing their advantage.

Rogers State initiated the game with a swift start, highlighted by Mason's 3-pointer just 13 seconds in, assisted by Jabryn Anderson. The Hillcats maintained momentum with an 8-point paint advantage, largely due to fast breaks and second-chance opportunities. The defense was robust, forcing five turnovers and converting them into points.

The Hillcats capitalized on their defensive stops, with Anderson leading in steals and assists. Benard Omooria and Mason contributed from beyond the arc, extending the lead. The first half concluded with a 45-23 advantage for the Cats', underscoring their effective play on both ends of the court.

RSU opened the second half by maintaining control of the game, highlighted by Anderson's early scoring to keep the offense steady. Omooria and Angus Ole contributed to a series of successful plays in the paint, bolstering the team's momentum. Despite the Savage Storm's efforts from beyond the arc, the Hillcats capitalized on defensive rebounds and fast breaks to extend their lead.

The RSU defense was effective, forcing turnovers and generating points from them, with Anderson and Caden Fry making crucial steals. The Hillcats maintained a strong presence in the paint, outscoring the Savage Storm in that area and increasing their lead through consistent inside scoring and free-throw conversions. By the half's close, RSU sustained its advantage, leading 83–65.

Mason led the team with 22 points, converting 8 of 16 field goals and adding two blocks with three steals. His 17 points in the first half tied a singles-season high alone. Tim Jordan Jr. contributed 12 points and collected five rebounds, showing efficiency by making 5 of 9 field goals. Anderson posted 10 points and recorded a team-high three steals, while also securing five rebounds. Ole added 15 points, succeeding on 7 of 8 field goal attempts.

Ethan Scott led the Savage Storm with 14 points, connecting on four 3-pointers and adding four rebounds. Augusto Toledo contributed 16 points, making five of eight attempts from beyond the arc, and collected four rebounds. Jamal Drewery facilitated the offense with six assists, while Ethan Wilkerson dominated the boards, securing 11 rebounds and adding four points.

RSU will conclude the SNU Conference Challenge tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. against the Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm.