STEPHENVILLE, Texas – The Rogers State fell behind in the second quarter and couldn't recover in a 65-46 loss at Tarleton State on Friday (Nov. 9) at Wisdom Arena in the season opener for the Hillcats.
 
After the Hillcats (0-1) held a slight 13-12 edge after one quarter, TSU doubled up the navy and red, 26-13, in the second quarter to take a 38-26 advantage into halftime. With the score tied at 14-14 early in the second stanza, the host TexAnns went on a 10-0 run in four minutes to go up 24-14 with 4:27 remaining in the half.
 
Desiree Nelson cut the deficit to seven points at 24-17 with a 3 pointer. After a TSU basket, Nelson again pulled RSU to within seven at 26-19 with a layup at the 3:40 mark. The Hillcats couldn't get any closer as the TexAnns went up 38-26 at the half.
 
In the second half, TSU increased the lead to as large as 26 points. The Hillcats ended the game on a 7-0 run for the final 65-46 score.
 
RSU shot 36.4 percent (16-44) from the field and 33.3 percent (5-15) from 3. TSU finished at 40.7 percent (22-54) shooting in the game and 27.8 percent (5-18) from 3-point range. In the second quarter when TSU pulled away, the TexAnns hit 60 percent (9-15) from the field.
 
The Cats were forced into 22 turnovers, while the TexAnns had only 14 turnovers.
 
Three Hillcats totaled double figures in scoring. Nelson posted a game-high 12 points on 4-for-6 shooting, going 3-for-5 from 3. Lindsey Byfield and Lauren Schuldt each added 10 points. Schuldt pulled down a game-high six rebounds.
 
TSU's Destiney Winkfield came off the bench and registered 12 points for the TexAnns. Kaylee Allen added 11 points, and Katie Webster had 10 points.
 
The Hillcats end the TexAnn Tip-Off Classic tomorrow (Nov. 10) against Texas Woman's at 12 p.m. in Stephenville, Texas. Live stats will be available for the contest.