TOPEKA, Kan. — No. 6 seed Rogers State men's basketball's (21-11, 13-6 MIAA) historic season came to an end in the NCAA Central Regional Quarterfinals against No. 3 seed Central Missouri (24-9, 14-5 MIAA) with a final score of 88-77 at Lee Arena on Saturday. 

The Hillcats finished the memorable season with 21 wins, their second-straight 20+ win season. Additionally, they notched their highest finish in the MIAA Tournament, finishing runner-up after beating Fort Hays State (70-63) and Missouri Southern (72-70). None of this would be possible without the six seniors: Benard Omooria, Jabryn Anderson, Marlo Fox, Andrew Mason, Caden Fry, and Angus Ole, whose collegiate careers came to an end this afternoon.

RSU held a slim lead at halftime, 38–37, but the Mules surged ahead in the second half, outscoring RSU 51–39 with the help of a late 14-0 run. The Hillcats scored 44 points in the paint and achieved 16 fast-break points. The Mules capitalized with 12 3-pointers and committed six fewer turnovers. The quarterfinal clash consisted of six lead changes and two ties. 

Rogers State opened the first half by trading baskets with Central Missouri, facing an early 8-0 deficit. Anderson initiated a scoring response with a 3-pointer at 17:03 to put RSU on the board. RSU found success in the paint, scoring 20 points inside, which helped them cut into the Mules' lead. 

Midway through the half, defensive efforts, including two blocks and two steals, allowed RSU to stay within striking distance. Omooria and Damondre McKnight fueled offensive momentum with key plays, including a fast-break dunk by McKnight at 11:23.

The half concluded with a tightly contested battle. Mason tied the game with a layup and free throw at 1:07, and Omooria's layup with 31 seconds left gave RSU a one-point edge. The half concluded with the Hillcats leading 38–37.

Central Missouri opened the second half with strong offensive momentum, extending its lead with strategic 3-point shooting. Despite a series of turnovers, RSU responded with key plays in the paint, highlighted by Jordan Jr.'s layup and free throw to regain the lead momentarily at 18:33.

Throughout the half, RSU fought to maintain pace, with Mason contributing crucial points from both the free-throw line and beyond the arc. However, the Mules capitalized on fast breaks and efficient ball movement to extend their lead, culminating in a 14-0 run that secured an 88–77 victory.

Anderson led the team with 16 points, adding two 3-pointers and four assists. Jordan contributed 15 points and secured five rebounds. Fry also scored 15 points, complementing his tally with three assists and five rebounds. Omooria added 10 points, while adding two steals and two assists.

Jake Fritz led the scoring for the Mules with 20 points, making 6-of 9 field goals, including four 3-pointers, and was perfect from the free-throw line. Lazerek Houston contributed 19 points, hitting 5-of-15 shots and converting 7-of-8 free throws, while also adding seven assists. Kyran Tilley scored 15 points, shooting 6 for 10 from the field and contributing three assists.

To stay up-to-date with Hillcat men's basketball, visit Men's Basketball - Rogers State University Athletics.