CLAREMORE, Okla. - The Rogers State women's basketball team registered a crucial 72-55 victory over Oklahoma Christian on Saturday evening at the Claremore Expo.
After trading buckets to open the first half, RSU took the lead for good with 12 minutes to play in the first stanza with a trey from Leah Smith. The shot sparked and 8-2 run by the Cats and they led the rest of the way. With 4:30 to play in the half, junior Sierra Cornwell gave the Cats their first double-digit lead with a steal and a layup. The Lady Eagles cut the deficit to nine at the half as Katy O'Steen knocked down a pair of free shots and the Cats took a 33-24 lead into intermission.
Junior Ariani Silva hit a shot from long distance to give the Cats a 40-28 lead with 15 minutes remaining as RSU led by double figures the rest of the way. The Lady Eagles had no answer for the Hillcats' pressure defense as RSU tallied 14 steals and OC committed 23 turnovers. RSU edged the Lady Eagles on the boards 34-32, led by Gianna Woods with nine rebounds.
Cornwell led the way for RSU as she poured in a game-high 22 points while tallying five steals. The Twin Hills, Okla. native had 12 first half points and nabbed multiple steals for the 23rd time this season. Leah Smith was the only other Hillcat to reach double figure scoring with 19 points while adding three assists. RSU registered one of its best offensive performances of the season shooting 49 percent from the field and 50 percent from behind the arc.
O'Steen was the bright spot in the lineup for the Lady Eagles as she tallied a team-high 21 points and grabbed eight boards.
With the win, the Hillcats hold sole possession of fourth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings with a two-game cushion over St. Gregory's, Northwestern and Oklahoma Baptist who are in a three-way tie for fifth place.
Rogers State (17-9, 11-7) will hit the road on Thursday as the Hillcats travel to Oklahoma City University to take on the No. 1 ranked Stars at 6 p.m. Audio will be streamed live at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.
