CLAREMORE, Okla. - Rogers State fed off strong defense late to upset No.20 Lubbock Christian, 68-56, Saturday afternoon at the Claremore Expo Center.
The victory gave the Hillcats its first 20-win season in the programs' three-year history.
RSU was fueled by the strong defensive play of Andrea Miles in the closing minute of the game to secure the victory. With a minute left the Hillcats held a ten point lead but cold shooting from the field by the Cats made a Lady Chaparrals comeback seem possible. But two big steals by Miles that led to fast break baskets shut the door on any LCU comeback thoughts.
RSU seemed to have a comfortable lead of 19 with 10:28 remaining in the game. LCU had other thoughts as the Lady Chaps forced seven RSU turnovers to fuel a ten point comeback over a seven minute stretch.
The Lady Chaps were hurt by their inability to knock down the outside shot hitting only 18 percent from long distance. While the Cats hit 50 percent from 3-point range on the afternoon. Junior reserve guard Kali Bassett finished with nine points off of 3-of-3 shooting from behind the arc to lead the Cats shooting display.
RSU was led in scoring by junior guard Hunter Peterson with 12 points. Senior post player Yoda Woods rounded out Hillcat scorers with double-digits with 11. Jenny Hardin was held to her second straight game under ten points finishing with seven.
LCU was led in the scoring column by Brittany Hampton with 19 points. Shamika Singleton posted a double-double for the Lady Chaps with 12 points and 10 boards.
RSU capitalized on free throws knocking down 78 percent while LCU hit only 69 percent. The Hillcats were able to overcome 20 turnovers that resulted in 14 steals for the Lady Chaps. A complete team effort was the difference as every Hillcat that saw playing time finished with a basket and the Cats outscored LCU 27-13 off the bench.
Rogers State (20-8, 12-8) heads on the road for the final time Thursday night to face Northwestern Oklahoma State in Alva. Tip time is set for 6 p.m. and the game will be carried live on RSU Radio 91.3 FM.
