CLAREMORE, Okla. — Hillcat men's basketball (14-7, 8-4 MIAA) secured its third straight win and moved into second in the MIAA standings with a 77-59 victory over Newman (5-16, 1-11 MIAA) on Saturday at the Claremore Expo Center. RSU has now won 13 of its last 14 against NU.
The Hillcats dominated the paint, scoring 46 points, and capitalized on fast breaks with 24 points. The home team also forced 14 turnovers, converting them into 23 points. The Jets managed to stay within striking distance in the first half but were unable to close the gap in the second half.
RSU opened the first half with aggressive play in the paint, scoring 22 points inside and converting 10 points off turnovers. The Hillcats consistently applied defensive pressure, resulting in three steals and only four turnovers, which fueled fast-break opportunities, contributing to 10 fast-break points.
Tim Jordan Jr. was pivotal, scoring through strong driving layups and free throws, while
Damondre McKnight's efforts, including a crucial steal and dunk in the final seconds, sustained momentum. The Cats' maintained a six-point lead, closing the first half ahead 35–29.
RSU opened the second half with a significant momentum shift, turning defensive stops into fast-break opportunities.
Caden Fry's layup at 19:01, assisted by McKnight, set the tone early. This was followed by a successful layup from Jordan Jr., increasing the lead to 10 points.
The Hillcars maintained their advantage with strong performances in the paint, highlighted by McKnight's defensive blocks and Fry's offensive rebounds that led to second-chance points. A 3-pointer by
Benard Omooria at 16:16 capped a scoring run, extending the lead to 13 points.
RSU continued to dominate the floor, with efficient ball movement and sharp shooting. Jordan Jr. and
Stephon Thomas capitalized on turnovers, widening the gap further. By the end of the half, the Hillcats continued to extend the lead with a new starting five, closing with a 77–59 advantage over the Jets.
Jordan Jr. scored 22 points and converted 10 of 11 free throws while also collecting six rebounds. McKnight contributed with 12 points, nine assists, and three blocks, adding three steals to his performance. Fry recorded a double-double, finishing with 11 rebounds and 11 points. Thomas added 13 points, making five of his eight field goal attempts and blocking two shots.
Cyrus Shaw led the Jets with 21 points, converting 11 of 14 free throws, and added eight rebounds and five assists. Jacob Joe contributed 12 points, making four 3-pointers out of six attempts. Terrell Wright scored eight points, hitting six free throws and blocking three shots, while also securing seven rebounds.
RSU will head to St. Joseph, Missouri, next Thursday to take on Missouri Western. Action from the MWSU Fieldhouse is slated for 7:30 p.m.
