JOPLIN, Mo. — Rogers State men's basketball (4-3, 0-1 MIAA) fell to Missouri Southern (6-2, 1-0 MIAA) 84-77 in the conference opener at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium on Thursday night.
The Hillcats were led by a balanced offense, scoring 36 points in the paint and contributing 24 points from the bench. Despite forcing 12 turnovers and matching the Lions with five steals, RSU could not overcome a late second-half flurry by the Lions.
Rogers State opened the first half with a balanced scoring effort, highlighted by
Andrew Mason's layup and assist from
Jabryn Anderson, setting an early tone. The Hillcats capitalized on fast breaks, with
Tim Jordan Jr. contributing a key 3-pointer to keep the score tight. Defensive rebounds from Mason and a block from him as well helped maintain momentum.
Despite Missouri Southern gaining the upper hand with consistent inside scoring and second-chance points, the Hillcats responded with successful free throws and a 3-pointer from
Benard Omooria to narrow the gap. The first half concluded with the Cats trailing by a narrow margin, 37–34.
RSU began the second half trailing but quickly found momentum with
Tim Jordan Jr.'s layup off a fast break at 18:58, cutting the deficit to three.
Andrew Mason contributed significantly, scoring multiple points in the paint and helping reduce the gap. Despite their efforts, the Lions extended their lead to 14 points with 3:19 remaining.
Caden Fry and
Damondre McKnight kept the Hillcats in contention, with Fry scoring in the paint and McKnight hitting crucial shots, including a 3-pointer with 1:23 left to bring RSU closer. However, the Cats fell 84-77, despite a late surge.
Mason led the team with 21 points, converting 8 of 14 field goal attempts and contributing two blocks. McKnight scored 17 points (season-best), making 7 of 8 free throws and recording two steals. Omooria hit three 3-pointers and added five assists. Jordan Jr. tallied 13 points and collected six rebounds.
Jaden Taylor led the Lions with 27 points, making all eight field goal attempts and converting 11 of 13 free throws. Tyrone Wright contributed significantly with 20 points, shooting 7 of 10 from the field and adding 6 of 8 free throws while collecting nine rebounds. Brayden Williams was effective from beyond the arc, scoring 11 points with three 3-pointers. Daniel Halldorsson added defensive support with two steals and six rebounds.
The Hillcats will head to Pittsburg, Kansas, on Saturday to take on the Gorillas at 3:30 p.m.
