CLAREMORE, Okla. - Basketball games are won and lost in the second half and the Rogers State Hillcats remained unbeaten Thursday night because they proved once again they were the better second half team.
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RSU shot 59 percent and forced 15 turnovers in the second half to overcome a halftime deficit and defeat Lubbock Christian, 82-73 at the Claremore Expo. The Cats outscored the Chaps 49-37 after the break, marking the seventh time in as many games RSU produced more points than its opponent in the second stanza.
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In a clash of undefeated teams it was LCU who made the early statement. Reigning Sooner Athletic Conference player of the week Kenny Hewitt scored 16 points in the first half to put the Chaps in front. RSU shot just 32 percent in first half and would have found itself in a deeper hole if not for some clutch perimeter shooting. Sophomores Deveric Taylor and Matt Kellogg combined for four first half treys to keep RSU within three, 36-33 at the break.
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The Cats regained the lead early in the second half, but were unable to pull away until the final seven minutes. Five different RSU players scored during a 14-1 run that pushed the lead to 78-62 with 3:31 remaining. While Hewitt was quieted to just five points after halftime, Douglas Williams kept the Chaps within striking distance with 16 second half points. Hewitt finished with 21 points while Williams posted 18.
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The Hillcats late run proved to be too much for LCU to overcome. Williams' final bucket cut the lead to nine in waning seconds before RSU dribbled out the clock. Five Hillcats posted double figures in scoring led by Eric Young with 17. Roderick Rodgers added 16 points and eight rebounds, marking the fourth straight game the senior has tallied at least 15 points and eight boards.
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No. 11 Rogers State (7-0, 2-0) extended its win streak to a program-best seven games and is now the only undefeated team left in the SAC. The Hillcats will welcome Wayland Baptist to the Claremore Expo Saturday for a matinee special. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. and the game will be carried live on RSU Radio 91.3 FM.
