WICHITA, Kan. – Rogers State men's basketball unofficially got the 2023-24 season under way against NCAA Division I Wichita State in a 74-53 exhibition on Sunday.
 
Nathan Clover III led the Hillcats with nine points to go with one rebound and shot 4-for-6 from the field. Evan Anderson and Caden Fry both put up eight points, with Anderson adding four rebounds while Fry added a steal. Rodney Battle and Anthony Marshall Jr. both contributed seven points, with Battle adding four rebounds, two assists and a steal while Marshall Jr. added four rebounds and four assists.
 
The Hillcats jumped out to an early 3-2 lead with a three pointer from Anderson before the Shockers ripped off an 8-0 run to go up 10-3 five minutes into the first half. RSU kept battling and was able to trim the deficit down to three points at 20-17 with just over seven minutes left in the period thanks to a 14-10 run of their own. WSU pushed their lead back out to 10 points at 32-22 with three minutes left, but RSU rallied once again to cut the lead to 34-30 going into the break.
 
In the second half, the Shockers opened the period on a 16-4 run to dash out to a 50-34 lead six minutes into the period. RSU kept fighting and were able to get the deficit back within eight points on multiple occasions but couldn't get any closer. WSU took their largest lead of the game late in the half at 74-52 and eventually claimed the 74-53 win.
 
The Hillcats will officially open the season Saturday, Nov. 11 as they return to Wichita, Kan. to face off against Minot State in the MIAA/NSIC Regional Challenge. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.