FORT SMITH, Ark. – The Rogers State Women's Basketball team fell short in a come-back bid Wednesday night, dropping a 54-53 battle to the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
 
Carlye Bohannan would have a chance to give the Hillcats the win as Rogers State won possession with seven seconds remaining, but the senior's shot from the top of the paint rimmed out.
 
Rogers State trailed for nearly the entire game, but a strong second half saw the Hillcats overcome a 12-point first-half deficit, tying the game at 42 and then 44 midway through the final quarter. However, the Hillcats were unable to regain a lead as the hosts went back in front by as much as seven.
 
Free throws from Lauren Schuldt and a three-point play from Azaria Floyd cut the deficit back to one with 46 seconds remaining. After the Hillcats forced a stop, Rogers State called a timeout, setting up the final seven seconds.
 
Desiree Nelson, who gave the Hillcats an early 3-0 lead, led RSU with nine points. She also had four rebounds and three steals.
 
Ke'Aunna Johnson and Lauren Schuldt each had eight points. Johnson also had three rebounds and three steals in 22 minutes off the bench.
 
Schuldt finished with six rebounds. The senior also had three blocks and two steals. Her three blocks bring her to 48 on the season, two rebounds shy of her own school record.
 
Floyd finished with seven points, while Darian Jackson had six points and six rebounds. Alicia Brown also had six points.
 
Rogers State will now have over a week off before returning to action on Saturday, February 9, when the Hillcats host Oklahoma Christian at the Claremore Expo. The Hillcats will tip off with the Eagles at 1 p.m.