CLAREMORE, Okla. — Rogers State women's basketball (6-10, 3-4 MIAA) fell to No. 16 Pittsburg State (13-3, 6-1 MIAA), 68-57, at the Claremore Expo Center on Wednesday.

The Hillcats managed to close the gap to a single possession at the end of the third quarter but could not sustain the momentum, despite forcing 15 turnovers and recording 12 steals. The Gorillas maintained their lead with a 16-for-19 performance at the free-throw line, securing the win. RSU finished with a season-high eight blocks. 

The first quarter began with RSU taking an early lead through a layup by Ella Hafer. The team maintained momentum with a jumper from Jaiana Wiggins, assisted by Samantha Shanks. Despite these efforts, the Gorillas quickly responded and took control with efficient shooting, including 8 field goals on 13 attempts, and successfully converted from the perimeter. 

The Hillcats faced challenges in shooting accuracy, finishing the quarter with 4-of-20 from the field. Defensive efforts included two steals and a block, but the team struggled to capitalize offensively. As the quarter concluded, Pittsburg State extended its advantage, leading 21-10 over RSU.

RSU began the second quarter with a strategic timeout at 7:57 following a scoring run by Pittsburg State. Kate Melton initiated the scoring with a successful free throw, while Shanks capitalized shortly after with a layup at 7:29, narrowing the gap. 

The Hillcats' defensive efforts were highlighted by Shanks' steal at 7:09, although turnovers hampered momentum. The team maintained pressure, with Shanks and Ataya Casaus combining for a late push, including a 3-pointer by Casaus at 2:44, to keep the contest tight. The quarter concluded with a layup by Melton at the buzzer, matching Pittsburg State's 14-point output for the quarter. The half closed with RSU trailing, 35-24.

RSU entered the third quarter trailing but quickly sought to shift momentum. Hafer opened scoring with a layup assisted by Casaus at 9:41, narrowing the gap. Despite an early turnover, their defense held strong, with Wiggins contributing a block at 6:00, and Destiny Jones securing a steal at 5:50. Melton's tip-in at 2:36, following an offensive rebound, helped maintain pressure on the Gorillas. 

The Hillcats worked to close the deficit with a late push, highlighted by Hafer's 3-pointer at 1:51 and Casaus's fast-break layup at 1:28. Casaus then capped the quarter with a fast-break 3-pointer at 00:34, trimming the margin. RSU outscored the Gorillas 21–18 in the third quarter, reducing the overall score gap.

RSU opened the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer from Bailey Layman, narrowing Pittsburg State's lead. Despite a strong defensive showing, including blocks by Cheyan McDaniel-Deatherage and Wiggins, RSU faced a scoring challenge early on. 

Midway through the quarter, Casaus added a jumper and Shanks scored on a fast-break layup, contributing to a late push. However, the Gorillas extended their lead with successful free throws and timely 3-pointers. 

The Hillcats closed with a layup by Casaus in the final seconds, but the Gorillas maintained their advantage, concluding the game with a 68–57 victory over RSU.

Shanks recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, adding three steals to her performance. Casaus contributed 12 points, including two 3-pointers, and collected two steals. Melton posted 10 points and led the team with seven assists while also gathering three steals. Wiggins made a defensive impact with four blocks and five rebounds - moving into second all-time in RSU history with 66 career blocks. 

Ja'Miya Brown led the Gorillas with 18 points, shooting 8-for-16 from the field and connecting on two 3-pointers. Harper Schreiner contributed significantly with a double-double, recording 12 points and 12 rebounds, including 10 defensive boards, while also dishing out four assists. Kaycee McCumber made a strong impact with 17 points, hitting 6 of 10 field goals and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line, while also collecting 15 rebounds and securing three steals. Marin Adams excelled at the line, contributing six points by making all six of her free-throw attempts. Amanda Byrnes added defensive support with two blocks.

Rogers State will return to action on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. against Missouri Southern at the Claremore Expo Center.