EDMOND, Okla. – The Rogers State Women's Basketball team fell on the road in MIAA play to the University of Central Oklahoma, falling 57-72 at Hamilton Field House.
 
The Hillcats were outscored 40-24 in the first 20 minutes and were unable to close the gap in the second half, despite outshooting and outscoring the hosts in the second half.
 
How It Happened: Following a three pointer by Lilly Garner to tie the game at 3-3 early on, the hosts used a 10-0 run over the next five minutes to pull away from the Hillcats. The teams traded baskets through the remainder of the quarter, with the Bronchos taking a 10-point lead to the second quarter.
 
After an early three points from Rogers State in the second quarter, Central Oklahoma used an 11-0 run to 18, as the Bronchos led by double digits the rest of the way.
 
Rogers State would close the deficit to as little as 10 with 4:40 remaining in the third quarter, but Central Oklahoma opened up the lead to as much as 22 to see out the victory.
 
Key Statistic: Central Oklahoma outrebounded the Hillcats by 15 boards in the game, 49-34, including 21 offensive rebounds for the hosts. The Bronchos converted the 21 offensive rebounds into 16 points as they picked up a 15-point victory.
 
Players of Note: Lilly Garner continued her run of strong performances of late, leading the Hillcats and all scorers in the contest with 17 points. The junior guard hit four three pointers and also had a team high seven rebounds. Garner also had two steals, tied for the team high with Alyche Brown.
 
Katrina Christian, who missed considerable time this season, including the entire month of December, worked her way back into the offensive output for the Hillcats with 10 points, the only over player for Rogers State to finish in double figures.
 
Samariah Thompson led the Hillcats with five assists. The sophomore transfer also had five points, three rebounds, a block and a steal.
 
Notes: Garner matched a career high in rebounds, tying her seven boards against Ecclesia on November 17, 2018. Garner's 17 points was her third highest scoring performance and fifth double-digit scoring performance of the season.
 
The Hillcats set a season high in three-point field goal attempts on the season, shooting 29 times from behind the arc. The Hillcats finished 8-for-29 (.276) from three-point range.
 
Rogers State was 11-for-14 from the free-throw line, the third best shooting performance from the stripe this season at 78.6 percent.
 
Kaci Richardson of Central Oklahoma recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
 
What It Means: The loss extends the Hillcats winless run to nine games in MIAA play and 13 games overall. The Hillcats remain tied with Lincoln at the bottom of the MIAA standings, with the two teams set to meet next Saturday in Claremore.
 
Up Next: Rogers State will return to the Claremore Expo Center on Thursday for the first of two games at home, as the Hillcats welcome in the University of Central Missouri on January 23. Tip off between the Jennies and Hillcats is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.