SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Rogers State men's basketball (6-5) fell to Dallas Baptist (8-4) 79-69 in the opening game of the River City Holiday Classic on Tuesday evening. 

The game was tightly contested in the first half, concluding at 39-39, but the Patriots outscored the Hillcats by 10 in the second half. RSU was led by their ability to secure 41 rebounds, including 13 offensive boards, while the Patriots capitalized on turnovers, turning the Cats' 22 turnovers into 30 points.

Rogers State started strong, quickly matching DBU's early 6–0 lead with a 3-pointer from Benard Omooria and a dunk by Caden Fry. Midway through the half, Rogers State gained momentum with an 11–0 run highlighted by three-pointers from Damondre McKnight and Omooria, securing a 26–16 advantage.

DBU responded by closing the gap through a series of successful three-pointers and free throws. Despite RSU's efforts, including a fast-break layup by Tim Jordan Jr., DBU managed to tie the score at 39 with a jumper by Jackson McCabe. The first half concluded with a deadlock, 39–39.

RSU began the second half with a quick response to DBU's initial basket, as Jordan Jr. converted a layup to tie the score at 41. The team maintained competitive play throughout the half, with Jordan Jr. leading a scoring drive that included a successful three-point play at 17:14, briefly giving the Hillcats the lead. However, DBU managed to stay close, and the teams exchanged leads several times.

Midway through the half, Fry hit a crucial 3-pointer at 15:38, extending RSU's lead to 51–47. Despite the back-and-forth momentum, the Patriots capitalized on several turnovers and took advantage of free-throw opportunities to regain control as the half progressed. A layup by Jackson McCabe at 6:08 contributed to the Patriots pulling ahead.

RSU continued to battle, with Jabryn Anderson scoring consistently, but the Patriots' Xavion Brown and Cody Stevens executed important plays down the stretch. The half concluded with the Patriots extending their lead, finishing with a 79–69 advantage over RSU.

Omooria scored 11 points, converting three 3-pointers, and recorded four rebounds. Jordan Jr. added 12 points and collected nine rebounds. Anderson posted 14 points, making eight free throws. Stephon Thomas contributed with two steals and grabbed eight rebounds.

Brown led the team with 18 points, shooting 7-for-14 from the field, and contributed six rebounds. He also recorded four steals and five assists, showcasing his defensive and playmaking abilities. Drew Calderon added nine points, including two 3-pointers, and collected two steals. Jaden Shelvin provided additional defensive support with three steals and three assists, contributing four points from the free-throw line.

RSU will wrap up the River City Holiday Class against Texas A&M-Kingsville at 5 p.m. from the Northside Sports Gym.