FORT SMITH, Ark. — Rogers State women's basketball (10-18, 7-12 MIAA) fell to Arkansas-Fort Smith (5-23, 4-15 MIAA) in overtime, 72-61, at the Stubblefield Center on Saturday. 

Despite leading by 11 points after the first quarter, RSU struggled in the second, scoring only eight points. The Hillcats managed a 36-point effort in the paint and forced seven steals, but the Lions' eight three-pointers and 12 second-chance points propelled them to victory.

Rogers State began the first quarter strongly, establishing an early 4–0 lead with layups from Ella Hafer and Samantha Shanks. RSU excelled in scoring points off turnovers, amassing eight points in that category. Kate Melton contributed significantly with assists, including a setup for Ataya Casaus's 3-pointer, which advanced the lead to 9–5 midway through the quarter.

Jaiana Wiggins's presence in the paint was notable, contributing to RSU's 12 points in the paint. The Hillcats maintained momentum with Bailey Layman hitting a critical 3-pointer at 0:44, followed by Destiny Jones closing the quarter with a jump shot. They concluded the first quarter with a 23–12 advantage, demonstrating efficient shooting and strong defensive rebounding.

RSU faced a challenging second quarter, marked by a series of turnovers and missed opportunities. Despite early scoring contributions from Wiggins and Shanks, who capitalized on opportunities in the paint, the team struggled to maintain momentum due to four turnovers. 

The Lions found success from beyond the arc, with Jordan Gregory and Senese Rainey connecting on key 3-pointers to cut into the lead. RSU managed to close the quarter with a layup by Casaus and a free throw from Melton, maintaining a narrow edge. The quarter ended with RSU leading 31-28.

Rogers State maintained its advantage in the third quarter, opening with a series of successful plays in the paint. Casaus contributed significantly with a layup early on, followed by Hafer and Wiggins, who each added baskets to extend the lead. The defense also stepped up, as RSU capitalized on turnovers and defensive rebounds to keep the Lions at bay.

Despite the Lions' efforts to close the gap, including a late scoring run that brought them within a point, the Hillcats managed to hold their ground with key contributions from Shanks, who scored a crucial layup in the final minutes. The quarter concluded with both teams scoring 12 points, preserving RSU's slim lead heading into the final quarter.

In the final quarter, RSU initially extended its lead with a series of free throws by Jones and Wiggins, pushing the score to 46-40. Shanks contributed with a layup following a steal, maintaining the momentum. Despite the Lions closing in, Cheyan McDaniel-Deatherage's 3-pointer at 6:08 kept RSU ahead 51-47.

As the quarter progressed, UAFS managed to draw level, prompting a tense back-and-forth. Melton's layup and subsequent free throw helped RSU regain a slight edge at 54-53. However, the Lions responded, taking a brief lead before Layman's crucial 3-pointer with 25 seconds to go leveled the score at 59.

The quarter concluded dramatically with both teams tied at 59, as neither could convert in the final seconds, resulting in the game heading into overtime.

The Lions gained momentum early and capitalized on the Hillcats' turnovers, resulting in a 13-2 advantage to claim the 72-61 victory. 

The Lions capitalized on RSU's misses and turnovers with efficient scoring, including a three-pointer from Telisha Brown. Despite a timeout called to regroup, RSU couldn't halt the Lions' scoring run, which was bolstered by strong defense, including a block by Kirkendoll. The quarter closed with the Lions leading 72-61, outscoring RSU 13-2 in the period.

Wiggins led RSU with 14 points, converting six of 13 field goals, and collected nine rebounds. Layman added 11 points, making three of seven attempts from beyond the arc. Melton contributed with six assists, enhancing the team's playmaking efforts. Shanks recorded three steals and added nine points, showcasing her defensive impact.

Brown led the Lions with 23 points, including three 3-pointers, and contributed five assists, two steals, and two blocks. Keytonna Ross Wilson added 13 points while securing nine rebounds and providing four assists. Rainey scored 12 points and hit three shots from beyond the arc. Marie-Rose Priscilla Balowa Kasambu Babenesha Wemba matched Ross Wilson with nine rebounds and added a block and a steal.

This marks the final game of the 2025-26 season for the Hillcats, who will bid farewell to seniors Michelle Arens, Ella Hafer, Bailey Layman, Cheyan McDaniel-Deatherage, Samantha Shanks, Isabella Stafford and Jaiana Wiggins.