EDMOND, Okla. — Hillcat women's basketball (9-15, 6-9 MIAA) fell to Central Oklahoma (9-15, 4-11 MIAA), 64-61, in a back-and-forth rematch at Hamilton Field House on Saturday. 

The Hillcats led by three points with under two minutes remaining, but the Bronchos rallied with a decisive 7-1 run to close the game. RSU outscored Central Oklahoma 38-36 in the paint, but 18 turnovers proved costly in the tightly contested matchup.

The game began with RSU taking an early lead as Ataya Casaus executed a layup followed by a successful free throw to tie the score at 3-2. Jaiana Wiggins extended the advantage with a tip-in, pushing the score to 5-2. The Cats' maintained their momentum, capitalizing on a fast-break layup by Samantha Shanks off an assist from Casaus, increasing the lead to 9-4.

UCO responded with a scoring run, eventually tying the game at 11 after a Kendrick Bailey-assisted 3-pointer by Talia Pogi. The Bronchos continued their offensive push, taking the lead with another 3-pointer from Pogi, making it 16-11. Despite strong defensive efforts, including blocks from Michelle Arens and Wiggins, RSU trailed 16-11 at the end of the first quarter.

RSU began the second quarter with a significant defensive stance, creating multiple turnovers and capitalizing on a fastbreak 3-pointer by Shanks at 8:46. Kate Melton's assist and subsequent steal highlighted a quarter marked by aggressive defense, contributing to a swing in momentum.

The Hillcats continued to battle through the quarter, with Marcela Pinedo hitting a crucial 3-pointer at 2:22 to trim Central Oklahoma's lead. Despite trailing, RSU tied the game with Bailey Layman's two free throws with under a minute remaining. The quarter ended with the teams locked at 27-27, setting up a tense second half.

RSU opened the third quarter with a strong scoring performance, matching UCO. shot for shot. Wiggins scored a jumper at 9:01, assisted by Melton, quickly narrowing the early gap. Ella Hafer then connected on a 3-pointer to tie the game at 32 with 8:13 remaining.

Midway through the quarter, RSU continued to showcase its offensive efficiency. Pinedo contributed with a layup at 6:21, taking the lead, and then scored again at 5:20, extending it to 38-35. 

RSU closed the quarter with a critical stretch, including a layup and free throw by Shanks at 2:34, pushing the lead to 45-39. Despite a late push from UCO, which included a 3-pointer by Pogi, RSU ended the quarter ahead, 45-44.

The fourth quarter began with RSU holding a slim lead, but it quickly turned into a back-and-forth contest. Destiny Jones scored early to extend the lead, but Central Oklahoma responded, managing to tie the game shortly after. Wiggins added a tip-in to reclaim a narrow advantage, but UCO maintained pressure, eventually taking a 52–51 lead.

RSU fought to keep the score close, with Melton hitting a crucial three-pointer to narrow the gap. Despite Hafer's late layup bringing them closer, RSU was unable to overcome the deficit. The quarter concluded with a 64–61 victory for UCO, as RSU's final attempts to seize the lead fell short.

Shanks led RSU with 14 points and collected 11 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. Hafer scored 13 points, converting five of eight shots. Melton dished out six assists and added a three-pointer. Pinedo contributed with seven points and recorded two steals.

Jerney Bennett led with a strong defensive performance, recording four blocks and contributing nine points and nine rebounds. Kaitlyn McCarn was the leading scorer for Central Okla., posting 11 points while shooting 5-for-12 from the field. Pogi added a significant outside threat, scoring 12 points with four 3-pointers. Peyton Walker was active defensively, tallying three steals and adding five points and four rebounds. Nykaiya Dillard also contributed defensively, recording two steals along with her 11 points.

RSU will return to action at the Claremore Expo Center on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. against Central Missouri.