KEARNEY, Neb. — Senior
Ella Hafer led the way with a season-best outing as RSU women's basketball (7-12, 4-6 MIAA) collected its first-ever win over Nebraska-Kearney (11-10, 4-6 MIAA), 83-75, at the Health & Sports Center. RSU snapped a four-game losing skid with the massive road win over UNK on Saturday.
The Hillcats shot 54.4% from the field, establishing a decisive 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. They recorded 21 assists, with a team-high contribution from the backcourt. UNK was held to 39.1% shooting despite a strong presence on the offensive boards, collecting 17 rebounds.
Rogers State opened the first quarter with a strong inside presence, scoring 12 points in the paint and capitalizing on fast breaks for an additional four points.
Ataya Casaus contributed significantly with both scoring and assists, while
Kate Melton and
Samantha Shanks added defensive stops with key steals. The Hillcats briefly took the lead mid-quarter, but the Lopers countered with effective free-throw shooting to keep the game tight. The quarter concluded with a three-pointer from
Bailey Layman, leveling the score at 21-21 at the end of the first quarter.
RSU initiated the second quarter strongly with
Destiny Jones converting a jumper and a layup to establish a brief lead. RSU maintained momentum with Shanks contributing a successful layup, followed by a 3-pointer assisted by
Bailey Braxton, extending the Cats' lead to six points.
UNK responded with an 8–0 run, overtaking the lead. RSU briefly regained the lead with free throws from
Michelle Arens, but the quarter concluded with the Lopers holding a narrow 39–36 advantage.
The Hillcats began the third quarter with a burst of scoring, highlighted by a layup from Melton and a jumper from Casaus to quickly take the lead. Hafer's three-pointer at 8:27 extended their advantage, but UNK responded with a three-pointer of their own, keeping the game tightly contested.
Midway through the quarter, RSU secured momentum with a series of successful plays, including a steal and a layup by Hafer, followed by a three-pointer from Layman. This sequence propelled the Cats' to establish a significant scoring run, widening the gap to 60–52.
In the closing minutes, RSU maintained its lead with a three-pointer from Melton at 36 seconds and a fast-break jumper by Casaus with just eight seconds remaining. The quarter concluded with the Hillcats leading 65–56 over UNK.
RSU started the fourth quarter maintaining a lead and extended it early with a layup from Melton at 9:16, assisted by Hafer. Shanks contributed a crucial 3-pointer at 6:59, extending the advantage to 70–58. Despite some turnovers and fouls, RSU capitalized on key opportunities, including a fast-break layup by Hafer with an additional free throw, pushing the lead to 75–67 with 1:43 left on the clock.
As the quarter progressed, the Hillcats maintained their lead through defensive rebounds by Shanks and Melton, and consistent free-throw shooting in the final minute. Casaus and Melton secured the victory with successful free throws, ending the game with an 83–75 win over the Lopers.
Hafer led the team with 20 points, converting 7 of her 10 shots and making all four free throws. Casaus matched a career-high 15 points and tallied four assists while also making a crucial block.Additionally, the Edmond native surpassed 1,000 career points during her collegiate career, which began at Seminole State Community College. Melton added 14 points, recorded five assists and contributing six rebounds to her stat line. Shanks scored 14 points, including three 3-pointers, and pulled down eight defensive rebounds.
Jillian Aschoff led the Lopers with 17 points, shooting 6-for-15 from the field, and added 14 rebounds and five assists. Tara Biocanin contributed 14 points, converting 6 of 8 field goal attempts, and secured seven rebounds. Myleigh Weers posted 13 points, including two 3-pointers, and recorded two assists. Jordan Sears added 11 points and collected six rebounds, while Emma Rowan, although scoring seven points, stood out defensively with two steals.
The Hillcats will return to action at the Claremore Expo Center against Emporia State on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
