OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Rogers State was overpowered in the post and edged out in overtime as Mid-America Christian upset the Hillcats, 69-68 Thursday night in Oklahoma City.
RSU cut the Lady Evangels' lead to one point when Tasha Parker scored on a put back with 47.8 seconds remaining in the overtime period. The Hillcats were then able to get the ball back in the final seconds but Autumn Thompson's contested shot attempt missed and Parker was unable to pass to a shooter before the final buzzer.
The Hillcats entered halftime down by one after not being able to slow the post presence of Danein Wells. Wells, a senior center for MACU, utilized her 6'1" frame to score nine points in the first half and finished with 15 for the game. But it was the play of the Lady Evangels' April Hale that made the difference for Coach Markus Crandall's squad. Hale scored 11 points in the first half and also finished with 15 points for MACU.
Thompson's play at point guard was the bright spot for the Hillcats. She filled the stat sheet with 15 points, six rebounds, seven assists, two steals and only two turnovers in 40 minutes of play. The junior opened the overtime period with three points to put Rogers State in front but a 2:42 second scoring drought gave the Lady Evangels a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
Andrea Miles made two big 3-pointers in the final four minutes of regulation that gave the Hillcats the lead for nearly a minute. Miles finished with nine points in the game. Katie Rice was the only other Hillcat to join Thompson in double figures with 10 points. Senior Azzie Knox, who has recorded seven double-doubles this season, was held in check with five points and nine rebounds.
Rogers State (16-11, 10-9) remains in sixth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings following the loss. The Hillcats will welcome No. 16 Oklahoma City University to the Claremore Expo Center Saturday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the game will be carried live on RSU Public Television and RSU Radio 91.3 FM. The first 200 fans through the gates will receive a free Hillcat Hand Banner courtesy of the RSU athletic department.
