OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Rogers State women's basketball team couldn't overcome a 17-point halftime deficit as the Hillcats fell, 76-63, at Oklahoma Christian on Saturday (Feb. 3) at the Eagles' Nest. RSU started
 
The Hillcats (7-13, 2-6 Heartland) scored the first five points of the game to take a 5-0 edge on a Desiree Nelson 3-pointer at the 8:31 mark of the first period.
 
The Lady Eagles (7-14, 3-6) responded to tie the score at 9-9 and ended the first period with a 14-2 run to gain a 23-11 margin after 10 minutes.
 
OC's Tyra Peck sank back-to-back 3s to open the second period, and one more Lady Eagle 3 by Delyssa Miller extended the lead to the largest margin of the first half at 32-13 with 7:51 left until halftime. OC held a 38-21 advantage at the half.
 
To start the second half, the Lady Eagles upped the lead to the biggest of the game at 43-23 after a 3 by Carolyne Lawley.
 
RSU used a quick 8-0 run to pull to within 12 at 43-31 when Kamry Chamberlain and Nelson hit 3-pointers. Ke'Aunna Johnson put in a jumper for the 43-31 score. The Cats cut the score to 53-43 late in the period on a Lauren Schuldt layup, but the Lady Eagles sank a late-period 3 for a 56-43 score going into the final stanza.
 
Late in the fourth, RSU pushed the margin to single digits on a Nikola Nedoroscikova layup with a minute and a half left, however, OC made its free throws late for the 76-63 final score.
 
Schuldt totaled a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds, adding three blocks and three steals. Johnson posted a career-high 15 points in 22 minutes, and Nelson sank four 3-pointers for 12 points. Nedoroscikova registered a game-high seven assists.
 
OC's Addy Clift poured in a game-high 25 points. Maddison Collyer went for 13 points, and Lawley added 12 points.
 
The Hillcats travel back to Claremore for a Thursday (Feb. 8) league contest against St. Edward's at the Claremore Expo Center. Tip is set for 5:30 p.m. with coverage available on the Hillcat Network, RSU TV and on 91.3 FM.