CLAREMORE, Okla. – Facing preseason Heartland Conference favorite Lubbock Christian, the Rogers State women's basketball team battled tough throughout, before falling 68-59 Thursday night at the Claremore Expo Center.
 
The Hillcats showed they were not intimidated by the fourth-ranked team in the country, taking a 17-12 lead at the end of first stanza. Led by Kami Bunch's seven points in the opening quarter, RSU extended its lead to as much as seven points in the first half.
 
After the Hillcats took a 29-22 lead behind a pair of free throws from Lindsey Byfield, the Lady Chaps responded with a 7-1 run in the final two minutes of the half. Capped by a three-point play from Nicole Hampton with 0.7 seconds remaining, LCU trimmed the Hillcats' lead to 30-29 heading into halftime.
 
Taking advantage of a six-plus minute scoring drought, the Chaps claimed a 10-point lead in the third quarter. RSU stayed within striking distance cutting the lead to six points with just over two minutes remaining in the contest off back-to-back buckets by Natasha Kindred.
 
Hampton was clutch down the stretch as the Chaps held on for the 68-59 victory. The senior point guard had 21 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and four steals for LCU. Tessa Bruffey added 18 points in the win.
 
Bunch put together a solid performance, matching her career high with 20 points. Kindred added 12 points and seven rebounds in the first home loss of the season for RSU.
 
The Hillcats (8-5 Overall, 3-3 HC) return to action Saturday with a home matchup against the Aggies of Oklahoma Panhandle State. Tipoff is slated for 1 p.m. at the Claremore Expo Center. Watch the game live on the Hillcat Network along with live stats at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.