Claremore, Okla. - The Rogers State women's basketball team suffered a heartbreaking loss, falling in the in the final seconds to Newman, 53-52, on Saturday afternoon at the Claremore Expo Center.
 
The Hillcats held a one-point advantage with 2:40 to play behind consecutive buckets from Mikaila Newton and Breanna Burford. The Jets committed four consecutive fouls to put the Hillcats in the bonus and stop the clock with 24 seconds remaining.
 
RSU was unable to convert the front side of the bonus free throws, allowing Brianna Caldwell to haul in the rebound for the Jets and dribble the length of the court. Caldwell was fouled with six seconds remaining and gave NU the lead, sinking both of her free throws. Kami Bunch gave RSU its final chance, dribbling the length of the floor, but her buzzer-beating effort was too strong.
 
The Hillcats closed out the opening stanza on a 14-4 run to knot the score, 27-27, at intermission. Jalissa Felici led the effort with three-consecutive treys, pouring in a career-high 14 points in the first stanza.
 
Felici finished the contest with 16 points to lead all scorers and Burford added 12 points to round out the RSU double-digit scorers. Caldwell led the charge for NU with 14 points.
 
Rogers State (5-12, 3-6 HC) will continue its homestand Thursday as the Hillcats host St. Edward's at the Claremore Expo. The game can be viewed live on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live and on RSU Radio 91.3 FM.