CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State women's basketball (4-15, 2-11 MIAA) fought hard but came up short with Missouri Southern (16-4, 8-4 MIAA) taking a 72-53 win on Saturday.
 
Chloe Martin led the way for the Hillcats with 11 points, two assists, a rebound and a steal. Both Bailey Kliewer and Briana Baker-Bruce put up nine points apiece. Kliewer added five rebounds and four assists while Baker-Bruce added three rebounds, three steals and two assists. Trinity Jackson contributed a team-high seven rebounds with six points, two blocks, a steal and an assist.
 
After the Lions opened on a 5-0 run, things tightened up quickly as the Hillcats cut the lead to 7-5. Things remained close for the remainder of the quarter. RSU managed to finish out the period on a 6-0 run to take their first lead of the game at 17-16.
 
MSSU answered back in the second quarter as they started the period on an 8-0 run to jump back in front 24-17. They managed to hold the momentum outscoring RSU 21-11 and carrying a 37-28 lead into the locker room.
 
In the second half, the Hillcats managed to hold the lead in check in the early moments of the period. However, 13-6 run increased MSSU's margin to 52-38, and they carried a 52-39 advantage into the final 10 minutes.
 
In the fourth quarter, RSU ran out of gas as they were outscored 20-14. The Lions eventually took the win 72-53.
 
The Hillcats will be back in action on Thursday, Jan. 26 as they travel to Topeka, Kan. to face off against Washburn for the final time in the regular season. Tip off is set for 5:30 p.m