ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Rogers State men's basketball (14-8, 8-5 MIAA) struggled down the stretch as Missouri Western (15-8, 7-5 MIAA) claimed an 87-78 victory at MWSU Fieldhouse. The Hillcats had their three-game winning strike erased on Thursday night against the Griffons.  

 The Hillcats led 46-39 at halftime, but the Griffons surged in the second half, outscoring RSU 48-32. RSU scored 42 points in the paint and received 24 points from its bench. However, MoWest capitalized on turnovers, converting 21 points off the Cats' 11 turnovers.

Rogers State opened the first half by establishing an early lead with Caden Fry scoring six unanswered points, including a layup and a dunk, assisted by Damondre McKnight. The Hillcats maintained momentum with a series of successful plays in the paint, highlighted by Tim Jordan Jr.'s tip-in and Jabryn Anderson's fast break layup, extending their advantage.

The half saw the Hillcats executing effectively on both ends, with Andrew Mason contributing a key steal and subsequent dunk. Mason, who has not played since the Jan. 7 win over No. 5 Arkansas-Fort Smith, was on fire in the first half, 6-for-7 from the field with 14 points.

Despite a push from Missouri Western, which included a fast break 3-pointer from Bode Goodman, RSU finished the half strongly. Mason's late 3-pointer further solidified their lead, closing the half ahead at 46–39.

Rogers State began the second half with a quick start, highlighted by Benard Omooria's 3-pointer just after the Griffons' opening dunk. RSU maintained momentum with contributions in the paint from Fry and Jordan. Despite efforts from the home team, the Hillcats built a 12-point lead at one point.

Midway through the half, a strong offensive push from MoWest narrowed the gap. They capitalized on turnovers and free throws to reclaim the lead, but RSU responded with a 3-pointer by McKnight to regain control temporarily.

In the closing minutes, Missouri Western made a decisive run, scoring key free throws and layups to extend their lead. The Hillcats' late efforts fell short, and the half ended with the Griffons ahead, 87-78, after a 48-32 advantage in the half.

Mason led the scoring with 18 points and recorded four rebounds in his return. Anderson recorded 17 points, adding six assists and two steals.  Jordan Jr. scored 15 points and collected nine rebounds. Fry added 11 points and secured eight rebounds.

Ty Henry led the team with 23 points, converting 7 of 12 field goals and sinking 7 of 10 free throws. Marko Pavlovic contributed significantly with 15 points, going 6-for-7 from the field, and added four blocks and five assists. William Kiburis added 13 points and a team-high seven rebounds, hitting 5 of 8 shots. Trey McKowen was efficient from the free-throw line, making 8 of 10 attempts, while also recording two steals.

The Hillcats will return to action on Saturday in Maryville, Missouri, to take on the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats at 3:30 p.m.