Box Score

Hillcats Fall to Emporia State to Close Road Trip

EMPORIA, Kan. – The Rogers State men's basketball team made a furious comeback before falling 72-60 at Emporia State on Monday afternoon in White Auditorium.
The Hillcats (6-5, 1-5 MIAA) were led by Joey Saracco, who tied a season-high with 17 points, 12 of which came in the second half. Brewster Peacock also finished in double-figures with 12.
 
Emporia State (9-3, 4-2 MIAA) jumped out to a 17-3 lead in the first seven minutes, but RSU found a rhythm offensively, going on an 8-2 run in less than three minutes. The Hornets pushed the lead to 12 with less than six minutes remaining before the Hillcats closed the half on an 11-4 run, cutting the deficit to 32-27 at the break.

A three-pointer from Peacock followed by a pair of Saracco free-throws trimmed the Hornets' lead to 36-34 with 17:47 to play, but RSU was unable to pull any closer, as ESU put together a 19-6 run and made 9-of-10 shots overall to start the second half.

Trailing by 15 with less than 13 minutes to play, the Hillcats once again started to claw their way back and a Saracco offensive rebound and jumper with 2:02 remaining cut the lead to 65-60. The following possession saw ESU hit a three-pointer as the shot clock wound down to ultimately seal the game.

RSU returns to action on Wednesday, December 29, when they host non-conference foe Cameron inside the Claremore Expo Center. Tipoff is set for 5:00 p.m.