NORMAN, Okla. – Rogers State men's basketball unofficially opened the 2021-2022 season in an exhibition game against Big 12 opponent Oklahoma on Monday.
 
RSU fell 106-57 in the affair.
 
Two Hillcats put up double digits on the night. Newcomer Tylan Dean paced RSU with 16 points in addition to three rebounds and an assist. Senior Devin Pullum was next with 10 points with three rebounds. Freshman Preston Lawrence finished with eight points. Senior Joey Saracco led the team with six rebounds as well as two points and an assist.
 
Other point scorers included newcomers Jordan Coblin, Ugo Obineke and Gerren Jackson finished with 7, 6 and 4 points, respectively. Senior Caleb Starks and newcomer Caleb Starks both finished with two points.
 
The Hillcats looked their best in the opening half as they shot 14-for-29 from the field. After Dean scored the first goal of the game at 19:11, they only trailed 5-4 at the first media timeout. Later in the half after falling behind 44-18, RSU managed to battle back and cut the lead to 47-30 with just under three minutes left before the break.
 
The Hillcats will officially kickoff the season on Friday, Nov. 12 as they travel to St. Paul, Minn. for the MIAA/NSIC Challenge and face off against Southwest Minnesota State. Tip-off for the season opener is set for 4 p.m.