EDMOND, Okla. - Sylvester Spicer produced a huge first half and his teammates followed suit in the second half as Rogers State blitzed Mid-America Christian 98-63 in the first round of the Sooner Athletic Tournament in Edmond Wednesday.
 

Spicer scored 21 points in the opening period by knocking down 9-of-10 shots and hitting 3-of-3 free throws. However, the Hillcats led by just eight at the break as Spicer's teammates combined to shoot just 27-percent from the floor. RSU made only 1-of-12 3-point attempts in the first half while the Evangels hit four treys to stay within striking distance.
 

The second half was a different story. The Cats poured in 54 points while shooting 66-percent. Junior James Coats drained four treys in the second stanza to post a season-high 16 points. RSU opened the second half on a 24-5 run and stretched the lead to 30 points on a drive by Bryson Krueger with 9:30 remaining. Krueger and Roderick Rodgers joined Spicer and Coats in double figures for RSU.
 

The 98 points and 35-point margin of victory were a season-high for the Hillcats against a conference opponent. RSU outrebounded Mid-America 44-29 and dished out 24 assists while committing a season-low six turnovers. With the win the Hillcats ended the Evangels season and finished 3-0 against MACU for the year.
 

Spicer finished with 21 points and six rebounds. Eric Young added nine points, seven rebounds and six assists. The Hillcats tallied 22 second chance points while surrendering only two. Derek Winston led MACU with 15 points.
 

Rogers State (19-10) won its first postseason game in team history and advanced to Thursday's quarterfinal round. The Hillcats will face No. 3 seed Oklahoma Baptist at the Eagle's Nest on the campus of Oklahoma Christian. RSU split the regular season series with OBU and will need a win Thursday to keep hope alive for a national tournament berth. Tip-off is slated for 4 p.m. and the game will be carried live on RSU Radio 91.3 FM.