TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Rogers State women's basketball (10-17, 7-11 MIAA) edged Northeastern State (16-11, 8-10 MIAA), 53-51, with a must-win rematch at the NSU Event Center. The Hillcats snap a five-game losing streak, keep MIAA Tournament hopes well alive with the comeback victory.
The Hillcats overcame a halftime deficit by outscoring the RiverHawks 19-13 in the final quarter, capitalizing on 13 points off turnovers and a 30-20 edge in points in the paint.
RSU started the first quarter strong, capitalizing on turnovers to score seven points.
Destiny Jones contributed significantly with key defensive rebounds and points in the paint. RSU moved ahead with a fast-break 3-pointer by
Ataya Casaus, assisted by
Kate Melton, at the 5:30 mark.
The Hillcats maintained a slim lead through the quarter, using their rebounding advantage to generate second-chance opportunities. However, the RiverHawks closed the quarter with a series of successful free throws and a last-second fast-break layup, edging ahead 17-13 by the end of the first.
RSU started the second quarter with a quick basket from Melton, assisted by
Cheyan McDaniel-Deatherage, briefly cutting the deficit. The Cats' faced challenges with turnovers, committing four during the quarter, but managed to stay competitive with effective rebounding and a key defensive steal by
Ella Hafer that led to a layup, tightening the score to 23-20.
Despite the efforts from RSU, including a late layup by
Jaiana Wiggins assisted by Melton, the RiverHawks capitalized on critical opportunities, extending their lead with a layup and a jumper in the paint. The quarter concluded with NSU holding a 30-22 lead.
The Hillcats opened the third quarter with a defensive block by Hafer and continued to capitalize on the RiverHawks' turnovers. This stretch included a layup by Hafer, assisted by Casaus, which helped chip away at the lead.
Despite the RiverHawks maintaining their scoring, RSU responded with a critical 3-pointer by Melton with just seven seconds remaining. This effort pushed the quarter score to 12-8 in favor of RSU, narrowing the RiverHawks' lead to 38-34 at the end of the third quarter.
RSU seized momentum early in the fourth quarter with Hafer's 3-pointer, assisted by Melton, to cut the deficit to one point. The Hillcats stayed resilient, responding to the RiverHawks' attempts to pull away by scoring in the paint, highlighted by Wiggins' layup that brought the score within reach.
Samantha Shanks played a critical role with a defensive rebound and a layup that tightened the gap to 43–42. As the quarter progressed, the Hillcats continued to apply pressure, with Melton hitting pivotal layups to take the lead at 49–48. In the closing moments, RSU maintained composure at the free-throw line, with Shanks converting crucial free throws to extend the lead.
The game concluded with the Hillcats outscoring the RiverHawks 19–13 in the final quarter, securing a 53–51 victory to avenge the 42 points lost at home earlier this season.
Melton scored 14 points and recorded six assists, contributing three steals to the defensive effort. Hafer finished with 10 points, added two steals and registered a block. Wiggins also tallied 10 points and collected four rebounds, including one on the offensive end. Shanks contributed significantly on the boards, securing nine rebounds while adding six points.
The Hillcats will wrap up the regular season with another big rematch against Arkansas-Fort Smith at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
