CLAREMORE, Okla. — Jaiana Wiggins' big night helped propel women's basketball (3-7, 1-2 MIAA) to its first-ever win over Central Oklahoma (1-7, 0-3 MIAA), 66-63, at the Claremore Expo Center on Thursday evening.

The Hillcats capitalized on a balanced team effort, with 31 points coming from the bench, and maintained a strong presence in the paint with 24 points. The Bronchos mounted a late surge, outscoring RSU 28-17 in the third quarter, but the Hillcats held on to secure the victory.

RSU began the first quarter by overcoming an early deficit. Initially trailing 8–0, the Cats' responded with a scoring run led by Wiggins' layup and free throw, followed by Bailey Layman's back-to-back 3-pointers, which helped them take the lead. Kate Melton added a fast-break 3-pointer to extend the Hillcats' advantage.

RSU capitalized on turnovers and defended effectively, maintaining their momentum. A late layup by Marcela Pinedo and another from Samantha Shanks closed the quarter, pushing RSU to an 18–13 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Hillcats began the second quarter with a strong offensive surge. Ella Hafer and Layman each contributed early points, including a 3-pointer from Layman, to extend the lead. The Hillcats displayed efficient ball movement with seven assists and capitalized on second-chance opportunities, converting multiple offensive rebounds into points.

Defensively, RSU held the Bronchos to just two field goals in the quarter, forcing four turnovers and securing key defensive rebounds. Wiggins added a block, further stifling the Bronchos' scoring efforts. The Hillcats closed the quarter ahead, leading 35-18.

RSU opened the third quarter by building on its lead, with Wiggins scoring consistently in the paint, supported by assists from Shanks and others. Despite a series of turnovers, the Hillcats maintained momentum with defensive stops, including a crucial steal by Shanks at 5:47.

Central Okla. made a push late in the quarter with a series of successful free throws and fast-break points, narrowing the gap. However, RSU countered with a fast-break 3-pointer by Layman at 4:50, keeping a comfortable margin. The quarter ended with RSU leading 52–46, as they held off the Bronchos' late surge.

The Hillcats started the fourth quarter with a 9-point lead. Ataya Casaus hit a three-pointer at 8:30, extending the lead to 55-46. Layman contributed defensively with a steal, maintaining momentum early in the quarter.

As the quarter progressed, the Bronchos narrowed the gap, tying the game at 56-56 with 4:39 remaining. RSU regained control with Wiggins scoring a layup to move ahead, assisted by Michelle Arens. Destiny Jones added to the lead with another layup at 3:30, assisted by Casaus.

Casaus further secured the advantage with another three-pointer at 1:49, bringing the score to 66-60. Despite a late push by Central Oklahoma, including a free throw by Nykaiya Dillard, RSU held on to secure a 66-63 victory as the quarter closed.

Wiggins led the team with a career-high 16 points. Layman scored 15 points, converting all five of her 3-point attempts. Melton contributed with six assists and recorded four rebounds. Casaus added eight points and posted two blocks. Wiggins led the team with 16 points and registered four blocks.

Dillard led the Bronchos with 25 points, converting 9 of 18 field goals and 6 of 7 free throws, while also contributing two steals. Jerney Bennett made a strong impact with 10 points, five blocks, and three steals, alongside 12 rebounds. Kaitlyn McCarn added 14 points, shooting 6 of 14 from the field and securing six rebounds. Peyton Walker facilitated the offense with seven assists and collected two steals, reinforcing the defensive effort.

RSU will return to the Claremore Expo Center on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. against Haskell.