TULSA, Okla. – In its final tune up prior to the 2013-14 season opener, the Rogers State men's basketball team fell 90-66 to NCAA Division I opponent Oral Roberts in an exhibition affair Wednesday evening at the Mabee Center.
Three Golden Eagles tallied double digit scoring as the Hillcats had just two reach double figures in points. Obi Emegano led ORU with 23 points while Shawn Glover totaled 20 points. The Cats were led by senior transfer Damien Hooks with 21 points.
The Southwest Baptist transfer shot 6-of-11 from the field in his first game in Hillcat navy and red as he totaled just six points in the first half.
ORU led 46-29 at the intermission after the Golden Eagles built an 8-0 advantage in the opening 2:12 of action. The Golden Eagles built a 13 point advantage with 13:22 remaining before RSU cut the deficit to 19-9 with just over 11 minutes to go.
The Hillcats were unable to cut into the deficit much in the second half as ORU's lead held steady before the Cats trimmed the advantage to 14 points by the 12:45 mark on a Hooks jumper. ORU gained a 20 point advantage on a Glover jumper with 8:49 remaining and held on over the remainder of the game for the 24 point victory.
Oral Roberts shot 51.7 percent from the field including 41.2 percent from 3-point range as the Golden Eagles dished out 19 assists. The Hillcat outrebounded ORU 41-37 as the Cats pulled down 20 offensive rebounds. RSU committed 16 turnovers resulting in nine steals for ORU.
RSU's Robinson Odoch Opong, Jonathan Buckley, and Hooks combined for 15 rebounds on the evening. Deran Banton finished with 11 points for the Hillcats shooting 4-of-6 from the field. Returners J.C. Hartzler and Opong combined for 17 points as Hartlzer was limited after getting in early foul trouble.
Rogers State will open the 2013-14 season at home with Hillcat Homecoming taking place Saturday, Nov. 9 as Southwestern Christian comes to the Claremore Expo for a 4 p.m. tip. RSU Radio 91.3FM will provide live play-by-play action with video streaming simulcast on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.
