KEARNEY, Neb. —
Jabryn Anderson's career-high outburst highlighted Rogers State men's basketball's (12-7, 6-4 MIAA) defeat of Nebraska-Kearney (10-11, 3-7 MIAA) 86-77 on Saturday at the Health & Sports Center.
RSU trailed by five at halftime but surged in the second half, powered by 30 free throws made in the final half. The Hillcats capitalized on the Lopers' 15 turnovers, converting them into 21 points to secure the victory.
Rogers State started the first half with a tight exchange, maintaining close proximity to UNK. Midway through,
Damondre McKnight and
Tim Jordan Jr. contributed to a 7-0 run, pulling the score even at 13-13. Despite conceding points in the paint, the Cats' capitalized on free throws and three-point shooting, with
Angus Ole and
Benard Omooria hitting crucial shots from beyond the arc.
The half concluded with a strong push from RSU, narrowing the gap to five points. Anderson's layup and Ole's three-pointer in the final minute brought the score to 41-36, keeping RSU within striking distance at the end of the first half.
Rogers State began the second half by quickly overturning its deficit, with Jordan scoring a layup off a fast break to narrow the gap. McKnight's assist set up
Caden Fry for a dunk, tying the game at 40-40. A series of defensive rebounds and steals allowed RSU to maintain possession and gradually increase its lead.
As the half progressed, RSU capitalized on turnovers and free throws, extending its advantage. Anderson contributed key points through fast breaks and free throws, increasing the lead to 72-62. The visiting team continued to build momentum, with efficient scoring from the line and defensive stops.
In the closing minutes, RSU maintained its control, with Anderson and Fry consistently converting free throws to fend off any challenge. Despite Nebraska-Kearney's attempts to close the gap, the Cats' strategic play and scoring runs secured a 50-36 half win, concluding with an overall lead of 86-77.
Anderson posted a career-high 29 points, converting 15 of 16 free throws and recording eight rebounds. Jordan added 15 points, making all six of his free throws and collecting six rebounds. Fry contributed 14 points and dished out four assists, going 10-for-15 from the free-throw line. McKnight finished with 10 points, tallying two steals and four rebounds.
Anthony Swift led the team with 17 points, hitting 6 of 10 from the field, and added nine rebounds and two steals. Ja'Bryant Hill contributed 16 points, including 5 of 11 shooting, and made all five of his free throw attempts. Kendrick Gilbert was effective from the free-throw line, going 7 for 8, and registered 11 points with two blocks. Clayton Moore also played a critical role with 13 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Taylor Harrell made a notable impact, scoring nine points on 4 of 5 shooting and recording a block and a steal.
Hillcat men's basketball will return to the Claremore Expo Center on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. against Emporia State.
