HAYS, Kan. — Jabryn Anderson and Caden Fry tabbed double-doubles, but it was not enough as Hillcat men's basketball (11-7, 5-4 MIAA) fell to (RV) Fort Hays State (14-4, 6-3 MIAA) 80-75 in overtime at Gross Memorial Coliseum on Thursday night. 

RSU led by three at halftime and held an eight-point advantage midway through the second half, but the Tigers closed the game with a 12-7 run in overtime to secure the win.

Rogers State began the first half with a strong presence in the paint, outscoring Fort Hays State 20–16 in that area. Fry led the charge with multiple baskets, supported by Anderson's four assists. The team maintained composure, converting all six free throw attempts and securing a slight edge on the boards with 13 rebounds to the Tigers' 11.

The half featured multiple lead changes and ties, but RSU managed to pull away towards the end with a 3-pointer from Benard Omooria at the 1:53 mark. A late layup by Fry helped the Cats' close the half leading 37–34.

RSU initiated the second half with a series of successful plays, highlighted by Fry's layup assisted by Damondre McKnight, pushing the advantage to 39–34. Tim Jordan Jr. extended the lead with a layup assisted by Anderson, maintaining a five-point margin at 43–38. Despite the Tigers' efforts to close the gap with a 3-pointer by Jahvari Martino, RSU held firm, keeping a narrow 45–43 lead midway through the half.

As the half continued, RSU managed to regain the lead with contributions from Angus Ole and a layup by Anderson, moving the score to 49–48. Jordan Jr. remained pivotal, converting two free throws to regain the edge at 51–49. In the closing minutes, Anderson's layup at 2:39 and Stephon Thomas' key free throws widened the gap to 68–64. Fort Hays St. managed to tie the game in the final seconds, with a late jumper from Dan Mukuna, concluding the half at 68–68.

After falling behind early in overtime, a critical 3-pointer by Omooria at 2:33 narrowed the deficit to one point. Despite a strong defensive effort, including a steal by Jordan Jr., RSU struggled to convert on field goals, shooting 2-for-9. The Tigers capitalized with efficient free throw shooting, going 8-for-8, which maintained their lead.

As the period wound down, Anderson's layup brought RSU within three points at 0:17. However, Hays secured the victory with additional free throws, closing the period ahead 12-7. The game concluded with a score of 80-75 in favor of the Tigers.

Omooria scored 16 points, hitting 6 of 10 shots from the field, including four 3-pointers. Anderson added 13 points and recorded 10 assists, notching his third double-double of the season. Fry led the team with 18 points and collected 13 rebounds for his first double-double of the season. Jordan Jr. contributed 13 points, converting all four of his free throw attempts.

Kyle Grill led Fort Hays St. with 22 points, hitting 8 of 15 from the field and converting 4 of 6 from the free-throw line. Mukuna contributed significantly with 14 points and dominated the boards with 11 rebounds, adding two steals to his performance. Martino provided offensive support with 20 points, making 7 of 13 shots and perfect on four free-throw attempts. Muhamed Kante was efficient, scoring 19 points on a perfect 7 of 7 shooting, including a 3-pointer, and dished out three assists.

RSU men's basketball will return to action on Saturday at 2 p.m. against the UNK Lopers in Kearney, Nebraska.