CLAREMORE, Okla. – The Rogers State women's basketball team fell behind early and couldn't recover in a 73-59 loss to East Central on Sunday (Dec. 9) in the first of seven straight games at the Claremore Expo Center.
 
The Tigers scored the first four points of the game and never trailed in the nonconference contest. ECU pulled out to a 35-22 halftime edge en route to the 73-59 victory.
 
The Hillcats (3-6) struggled to score in the first three quarters before a 25-point fourth quarter outburst, but the navy and red still finished at only 33.3 percent (17-51) from the floor and shot 22.7 percent (5-22) from 3. RSU went 20-of-24 shooting from the free throw line for 83.3 percent.
 
ECU shot nearly 50 percent for the game at 47.9 percent (23-48) and went a sizzling 13-of-24 shooting in the middle two quarters for 59 percent. The Tigers got hot from deep, hitting 11 3s and going 11-for-23 from deep for 47.8 percent.
 
Lauren Schuldt totaled a team-high 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in 23 minutes. Desiree Nelson sank three 3-pointers and tallied 11 points, while Lindsey Byfield went for 11 points as well. Coming off the bench, Ke'Aunna Johnson posted 10 points in 19 minutes.
 
Tia Williams hit four 3s and registered 14 points. Also with 14 points for the Tigers was Lakin Preisner. Madison Nickens (12 points) and Hannah Ladd (11 points) also hit double figures for ECU.
 
The Hillcats play host to Randall on Friday (Dec. 14) and have a rare back-to-back with Rockhurst coming to Claremore on Saturday (Dec. 15). Coverage for both games will be available on the Hillcat Network and on 91.3 FM.