PITTSBURG, Kan. - The Rogers State women's basketball lost to Pittsburg State 91-73 in the first-ever meeting between the two schools on Wednesday night in MIAA play at John Lance Arena.
 
The Hillcats would mount a comeback attempt in the third quarter, but it would not be enough to overcome the Gorillas, who shot 45 percent from the field in the game compared to the Hillcats 37 percent.
 
How it Happened: The Hillcats would fall into a deficit quickly against the Gorillas, as they would only shoot 28 percent from the field, while the Gorillas shot 66 percent in the first quarter. Going into halftime, the Gorillas had shot 55 percent from the field, while the Hillcats only shot 30 percent.
 
The Hillcats would fight back in third quarter by shooting 53 percent from the field, while Pittsburg State would have their worst quarter by shooting 33 percent.
 
The Hillcats would keep the momentum going into the fourth quarter eventually cutting the lead to single digits with 4:33 left in the game. This would be the closet the Gorillas would allow the Hillcats, as the hosts extended the lead back to as much as 18 in the final minute.
 
Key Statistic: The Gorillas controlled the game inside, scoring 40 of their 91 points from the paint, while the Hillcats were held to just 14 points in the paint.
 
Players of Note: Junior Lily Garner led the Hillcats in scoring with 16 points. Garner would also have a steal. Garner was perfect from the free-throw line going 6-6.
 
Senior Alicia Brown would finish just behind Garner with 15 points. Brown would also have five rebounds and three assists.
 
Sophomore Samariah Thompson would finish with 13 points, being the final Hillcat to finish in double-digits. Thompson would also have six rebounds, tying freshman Bailey Kliewer for the most in the game.
 
Kliewer would also finish with nine points, two assists, and a blocked shot.
 
What this Means: The Hillcats now fall to 1-11 in MIAA play after defeating Lincoln on Saturday for their first win in the MIAA.
 
Up Next: Rogers State remains on the road with another short MIAA conference trip, beginning the month of February in Joplin, Missouri to take on Missouri Southern State in a key MIAA battle. The Hillcats will take on the Lions with a 1:30 p.m. tipoff on Saturday, February 1 at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.