CLAREMORE, Okla. —
Kate Melton's season-high night lifts Rogers State women's basketball (6-8, 3-2 MIAA) to a 58-54 win at the Claremore Expo Center. This marks the Hillcats' third straight conference victory.
The Hillcats led by as many as seven in the first quarter and maintained their advantage throughout. The Hillcats made 8 of 20 from beyond the arc and recorded 17 assists. The Lions narrowed the gap with a late fourth-quarter surge, but RSU secured the victory by converting 8 of 9 free throws.
Rogers State started the game with strong defensive pressure, opening with a 6–0 lead, highlighted by
Ella Hafer's early tip-in and subsequent steal.
Samantha Shanks extended the advantage with a fast-break jumper followed by a three-pointer, pushing the score to 9–0.
The Lions called a timeout with six minutes remaining, which briefly shifted momentum as they scored their first points. However, the Hillcats responded with
Michelle Arens hitting two free throws and Melton sinking a three-pointer, maintaining control. The quarter concluded with RSU leading 18–11.
RSU started the second quarter strong, with Hafer sinking a three-pointer at 9:30, facilitated by
Destiny Jones, to extend their lead. Defensive pressure by Jones led to a steal and subsequent scoring opportunities, although initial shots did not convert. Melton capitalized with a layup and a jumper, assisted by Arens, to maintain the advantage.
The Lions responded with a series of successful baskets, closing the gap with a three-pointer by Jordan Gregory at 1:17. RSU countered with a crucial three-pointer from
Bailey Layman, assisted by Shanks, at 0:20 to solidify the lead. The quarter concluded with RSU holding a 30-26 advantage, despite being outscored 15-12 in the quarter.
The Hillcats began the third quarter with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by
Jaiana Wiggins' block and subsequent defensive rebound at the 5:41 mark. This defensive effort paved the way for a scoring burst, including a three-pointer from Hafer at 5:28, extending the lead to 37–30.
RSU continued to build momentum as Melton's jumper at 4:40 and Layman's three-pointer at 3:00 stretched the advantage further. In the closing minutes, Wiggins added a fast-break layup with 1:12 remaining, helping RSU to maintain control and conclude the quarter ahead 48–39.
Rogers State began the fourth quarter with a jumper from
Destiny Jones, maintaining an early advantage. However, a series of turnovers allowed the Lions to close the gap with efficient free-throw shooting and fast-break layups, reducing the lead to five points midway through the quarter.
Ataya Casaus extended RSU's lead with two key three-pointers, with assists from Melton. Despite defensive efforts, including rebounds by Shanks and Wiggins, the Lions continued to chip away, bringing the score within reach.
In the final minutes, RSU maintained its composure, converting free throws and securing defensive rebounds. A late three-pointer by the Lions trimmed the margin, but RSU held on to secure a 58–54 victory. The quarter concluded with RSU outscoring the Lions by 10–15 in the quarter.
Melton led the way for RSU, scoring a season-high 15 points and recording four rebounds. Wiggins contributed eight points and was a defensive presence with three blocks. Shanks added seven points and collected eight rebounds. Jones was active on defense, tallying two steals and grabbing three rebounds.
Haleigh Jackson led the Lions team with 12 points, shooting 5 of 10 from the field, and added two rebounds. Jah'Mareah Linville contributed six points, four assists, and two steals, displaying her defensive presence. Marie-Rose Priscilla Balowa Kasambu Babenesha Wemba provided a strong rebounding effort with eight boards and scored 10 points. Layne Kirkendoll was a defensive force with three blocks and added five rebounds. Telisha Brown added seven points and two steals to round out the team's key performances.
The Hillcats will return to action on Saturday at the Claremore Expo Center against rival Northeastern State. Tip-off is slated for 1:30 p.m.
