CLAREMORE, Okla. — Rogers State women's basketball (6-11, 3-5 MIAA) fell to Missouri Southern (13-4, 7-1 MIAA), 66-62, in a tightly contested game at the Claremore Expo Center on Saturday.
Prior to the game, the Hillcats honored senior
Ella Hafer, who collected her 1000th career point. Hafer tabbed 546 points at the NEO A&M before coming to RSU. After today, she has tallied 466 points for the Red and Navy.
The Hillcats trailed by just four points after a 23-point fourth quarter but struggled from the free-throw line, converting only 3 of 3 attempts. Rogers State's bench contributed significantly with 34 points, while the Lions capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 23 points.
Rogers State opened the first quarter with a strong defensive stance and an early three-pointer from
Samantha Shanks at 9:07, following up on the Lions' initial score. The home team was effective from beyond the arc, with
Bailey Layman contributing two 3-pointers, including one at a crucial moment with 38 seconds left to keep the score close. However, the Lions capitalized on offensive rebounds, securing eight in the quarter, and maintained a slight edge with consistent scoring in the paint. Despite the Hillcats' efforts and their contributions from the bench, the quarter concluded with the Lions leading 15-11.
The Hillcats initiated the second quarter with a focus on bench contributions, putting up 10 points from reserve players. Despite initial turnovers leading to an early 3-pointer by the Lions, Layman responded with a 3-pointer at 8:14, narrowing the margin.
Destiny Jones added a layup in the paint to keep the home team competitive. As the quarter progressed, the Hillcats countered the Lions' attempts with precise shooting from beyond the arc, including a key 3-pointer by
Marcela Pinedo with 2:46 remaining. The quarter concluded with Rogers State closing the gap significantly, though the Lions maintained a slight edge at 32-29.
The Cats' began the third quarter with momentum as Shanks scored a layup just 30 seconds in, putting them ahead. Shanks continued to impact the game with a steal and another layup in quick succession, extending the lead to 35-32. However, the Lions responded with a 3-pointer to level the score, sparking a shift in momentum. Despite efforts from Rogers State, including a layup by
Michelle Arens with an assist from
Kate Melton, the Lions maintained control. They capitalized on free throws and second-chance opportunities to pull ahead. Delaney Roller contributed a jumper in the closing seconds, ending the quarter with the Lions leading 49-39.
The final quarter showcased Rogers State's effort to close the gap against the Lions. Pinedo's 3-pointer, assisted by
Destiny Jones, initiated a scoring push early in the quarter. The Hillcats continued to challenge with consistent play in the paint, highlighted by Layman's three-point play at 5:25, which cut the deficit to six points. Momentum shifted as Shanks connected on a key 3-pointer, narrowing the margin to three points with 4:16 remaining. Hafer's tip-in at 21 seconds brought Rogers State within two, but the Lions secured the win with timely free throws. The game concluded with a narrow 66-62 loss for the Hillcats, despite their 23-point effort in the final quarter.
Layman scored a career-high 18 points, converting 7 of 11 from the field and making three 3-pointers. Melton recorded seven assists, contributing significantly to the team's ball movement. Shanks added 14 points, successfully making 6 of her 9 shots.
Jaiana Wiggins provided a defensive presence with two blocks.
Nariah Clay led with 14 points, shooting 5-for-10 from the field and contributing two assists. Lilly Thomas matched Clay with 14 points, converting 6 of 14 field goals and adding eight rebounds. Makenna Yokley scored 10 points, making 7 of 8 free throws, and collected nine rebounds while recording two steals. Roller added nine points and secured five rebounds, with two steals. Ashlyn Alloway contributed 10 points, successfully making all six free throws, and registered six rebounds.
RSU will return to play in Hays, Kansas, on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. against the No. 6 Tigers.
