CLAREMORE, Okla. — Rogers State women's basketball (4-8) triumphed over Oklahoma Christian University (5-6), 70-66, at the Claremore Expo Center on Saturday, overcoming a four-point deficit entering the final quarter.
RSU clinched the victory with a 27-point offensive eruption in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on 19 points off turnovers and 40 paint points. The Eagles, despite leading twice and tying the game five times, couldn't withstand RSU's late surge.
RSU opened strong, using effective ball movement to establish early momentum.
Ella Hafer's layup began the scoring, quickly followed by a fast-break three-pointer from
Samantha Shanks at 6:47, contributing to a 7–0 run. The Hillcats showcased a solid defensive presence, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities.
As the first quarter progressed, the Cats' continued to dominate in the paint, with
Destiny Jones adding consecutive layups to extend the lead. The team maintained its momentum with
Cheyan McDaniel-Deatherage's free throw and
Michelle Arens' layup, closing the quarter effectively. RSU led 18–12 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter began with RSU maintaining a narrow lead, with Hafer assisting Shanks for a layup at 7:33. However, the Eagles quickly responded, as Taylor Jackson's layup shifted momentum. Hafer's quick defensive rebound and subsequent fast-break layup at 4:05 helped RSU regain a slight edge.
Despite the defensive efforts, RSU struggled with turnovers, allowing the Eagles to capitalize late in the quarter. Kenzie Willis scored a layup with 6 seconds remaining, putting the Eagles ahead. The quarter ended with them leading 25–24.
The third quarter began with the Eagles maintaining a slight edge, but RSU quickly responded with
Jaiana Wiggins converting a tip-in to narrow the gap. Defensive efforts were highlighted by steals from Hafer and
Kate Melton, contributing to keeping the game within reach.
Ataya Casaus played a pivotal role, scoring key points to keep RSU close. Despite their efforts and a late push on free throws by
Bailey Layman, RSU ended the quarter trailing. The quarter concluded with the Eagles ahead, 47-43.
RSU opened the fourth quarter by matching the Eagles' early free throw with a layup from Melton. A pivotal moment came at 6:53 when Shanks hit a three-pointer, leveling the score at 50–50. By maintaining efficient ball movement with seven assists, RSU managed to keep pace with the Eagles.
The quarter continued with both teams exchanging baskets, but RSU seized control with a critical 3-pointer by Layman at 2:05, putting them ahead by three. Layman further extended the lead with a jumper at 1:13, assisted by Jones. The Hillcats capitalized on a late turnover, securing a crucial free throw to solidify their position.
As the quarter concluded, Casaus scored a jumper in the paint with 37 seconds remaining, pushing RSU ahead by three points. Despite the Eagles' last efforts, RSU clinched the game with a final free throw, ending the quarter 69–66 and securing a 27–19 advantage in the fourth.
Casaus scored 14 points and added three assists. Shanks matched Casaus with 14 points, recorded five assists, and collected eight rebounds. Jones contributed 10 points and tallied two steals. Layman finished with 12 points and four rebounds.
Taylor Jackson led the Eagles with a standout performance, scoring 22 points while converting 7 of 16 field goal attempts and 8 of 12 from the free-throw line. She also contributed defensively with three steals and secured nine rebounds. Sofia Lopez added 10 points, efficiently shooting 3 of 6 from the field and making all four free-throw attempts. Willis, starting as a forward, recorded eight points and seven rebounds, alongside three assists and one block. Allyah Leusogi-Ape contributed six points and matched Willis with six rebounds, adding three assists to her stat line.
The Hillcats will return to action on New Year's Day in Wichita, Kansas, against Newman at 5:30 p.m.
