CLAREMORE, Okla. — Head coach
Justin Barkley collected his 300th career win on Wednesday night, as Rogers State men's basketball (10-6, 4-3 MIAA) secured a thrilling 64-59 victory over Pittsburg State (11-6, 5-2 MIAA) at the Claremore Expo Center on Wednesday night.
"I probably didn't deserve to be the head coach here when I got it at age 29. I've been blessed to have some really, really good assistants," Barkley commented after the win. "I've been very blessed to take kids picking Roger State as their school when we didn't have any tradition in our infancy days."
"When I came here at 27 years old, I never envisioned that I'd be at this institution for 18 years. It's been good to me," Barkley added. "I'm just proud and thankful for all the players. They have taken a chance on us and bought in. We feel like we've done it the right way, and you know, looking forward to many more, hopefully."
RSU maintained control throughout the game, highlighted by a balanced scoring effort that saw contributions from the bench and a 26-point performance in the paint. The Gorillas connected on eight 3-pointers but fell short in the final minutes as the Hillcats held a consistent lead.
Rogers State started strongly, establishing an early rhythm with a 7-0 run, highlighted by a jumper from
Tim Jordan Jr. and a 3-pointer by
Benard Omooria. The team maintained momentum, capitalizing on defensive stops and converting key opportunities, including a layup by Jordan Jr. after a block by Omooria.
Pittsburg State responded with a series of scoring plays, but RSU stayed resilient, with
Damondre McKnight hitting a crucial 3-pointer at 4:42 to keep the lead. As the half progressed, Jordan Jr. converted a 3-point play with just over two minutes left, regaining the advantage. The half concluded with a jumper from McKnight, giving the Hillcats a 33-30 lead.
RSU opened the second half with a layup by Jordan Jr., assisted by Omooria, to extend their lead. The team capitalized on free throws, with
Caden Fry converting two at 17:49, maintaining their slight edge. A pivotal moment came at 6:10 when McKnight scored a fast-break layup, narrowing the Gorillas' lead to just two points.
As the half progressed, the Hillcats momentarily regained control, tying the score at 53 with an offensive tip-in by
Angus Ole at 4:34. The half remained tightly contested, with the teams trading points. In the final minute, Jordan Jr. contributed a crucial layup, and
Jabryn Anderson sealed the half with two successful free throws, allowing RSU to close the game ahead, 64-59.
Jordan Jr. led the way for the Cats' with 20 points and a 66.7% shooting percentage, converting 8-of-12 field goals. McKnight contributed significantly, scoring 13 points and adding five rebounds. Anderson facilitated the offense effectively, recording five assists and collecting nine rebounds. Omooria added 10 points, including two 3-pointers, and contributed defensively with a block. Additionally, Fry finished with seven rebounds, bringing his career total to 522 - just one shy of breaking the current record of 523 held by Brewster Peacock.
Mason English led the Gorillas with 16 points, converting 6-of-17 field goals, including two 3-pointers. Donald Coats dominated the boards, securing 12 rebounds, with eight on the defensive end, and added six points. Ethan Sage contributed 11 points, hitting 3-of-7 from the field and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line, while also recording four rebounds and three assists.
The Hillcats will return to action on Saturday against Missouri Southern at 3:30 p.m.
