CLAREMORE, Okla. – The Rogers State women's basketball team pulled out to a 43-7 halftime advantage with a 32-0 run and cruised to an 85-28 victory over Ecclesia College on homecoming on Saturday (Nov. 17) at the Claremore Expo Center.
 
After holding only an 8-6 lead in the first quarter, the Hillcats (2-2) went on a 32-0 run to take a 40-6 lead with 3:13 remaining before halftime. The navy and red held the Royals scoreless for more than 11 minutes of game action and went on to hold a 43-7 edge at halftime.
 
In the second quarter when the Cats pulled away, the navy and red outscored Ecclesia 26-1. RSU held the Royals without a made field goal in the second quarter as EC went 0-for-13 from the field.
 
The Cats continued to roll in the second half en route to the 85-28 victory.
 
RSU's defense held the Royals to 17 percent shooting in the game at 8-for-47 from the field and held EC without a made field goal for more than 19 minutes during the middle of the game. The Cats forced Ecclesia into 30 turnovers, and the navy and red totaled 16 steals, including four steals from Lilly Garner. On the boards, the Cats grabbed 49 rebounds to only 30 from the Royals.
 
The Hillcats finished at 45.7 percent (32-70) from the field and 35.5 percent (11-31) from 3.
 
Four Hillcats finished in double figures. Garner scored a career-high 18 points as she hit six 3-pointers, one shy of the RSU score record of seven. She added seven rebounds and four steals. Desiree Nelson tallied 13 points with three made 3-pointers. Darian Jackson just missed a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds. Lauren Schuldt was a perfect 5-for-5 shooting from the field for 10 points.
 
Kirk Tayler led Ecclesia with 12 points. She was the only Royal in double figures.
 
The Hillcats end their three-game home stretch on Wednesday (Nov. 21) when RSU plays host to Henderson State at 2 p.m. Coverage will be available on the Hillcat Network.