CLAREMORE, Okla. – Returning to the friendly confines of the Claremore Expo for the first time in 16 days and six games, the No. 5 Rogers State men's basketball team made the most out of its return home.
The Hillcats shot 58 percent from the field on the way to a 112-61 victory over Dallas Christian College Monday night.
RSU gained a double digit lead of 10 points with 10:02 remaining in the first half and never looked back holding a 62-27 advantage at the intermission.
The Hillcat lead grew to its largest mark of 57 with 9:21 to go in the contest. Eleven players saw the court for head coach Justin Barkley's squad, each playing at least 15 minutes and scoring in the affair. The Hillcats' 112 points is the most since RSU won 114-81 to Avila University on Nov. 14, 2009.
Alex Ewings, after missing the previous two games due to a death in the family, came back strong leading RSU with 17 points, a season high for the Tulsa, Okla. native. Justynn Hammond finished with 16 points coming off the bench. Donald Williams totaled 14 points for the Cats while Trevar Mayon had a career high 14 points in just his seventh game as a Hillcat. Brian Gibson recorded a double-double, his first this season, finishing with 12 points and 11 boards.
DCC (1-10) was led by Malcolm McCarty off the bench with 20 points. Robert Washington added 14 while Chad Herring had 11 points for the Crusaders, coached by former Oklahoma State player Charles H. Williams.
RSU won the battle of the boards pulling in 38 to DCC's 28. The Hillcats hit 13-of-26 from long distance.
Rogers State (9-1) will return to action on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. versus Avila University inside the Claremore Expo. Free general admission will be granted to those who donate a new or gently used children's book (ages Pre-K – 5th grade) for students of Claremont Elementary for the 3rd Annual Hillcub Drive as part of Hillcat Hoops Holiday Extravaganza night. Christmas music, Holiday promotions and an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest at halftime all on Tuesday, Dec. 4 as RSU faces the Avila Eagles.
The game will be carried live on RSU Radio 91.3FM and online at www.rsuradio.com. Live video streaming will be provided on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.
