CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State women's basketball (1-1) fought hard but couldn't hang on in 68-59 game against Northern State (1-1) to close out the Holiday Inn Express Classic on Saturday.
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Two Hillcats finished the day in double figures.
Alayzha Knapp led the Hillcats with 24 points to go with five rebounds, two blocks and an assist.
Alyza Aikins added 12 points with five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block.
Kylee Day contributed nine points with four rebounds and an assist.
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The Hillcats got out to fast start as they opened the game on a 12-6 run in the first five minutes, including eight quick points from Knapp. They managed to hold that lead and extend the margin to nine points at 25-16 head into the second quarter.
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In the final 10 minutes of the half, RSU took its largest lead of the game at 32-22 with four minutes left. However, the Wolves slowly began to mount their comeback going on a 10-5 run to close out the period and trimmed the deficit to 37-32 headed into the break.
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The third quarter was a back-and-forth battle with both sides trading points. With six lead changes and three ties, the Hillcats clung to a slim 51-50 lead at the end of the period.
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The fourth quarter continued the tightly contested theme of the half as there were three lead changes in the first two and half minutes. Unfortunately, NSU took a 54-53 lead and made eight of their 10 free throws down the stretch to complete the comeback and claim the 68-59 win.
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The Hillcats will be back in action on Thursday, Nov. 16 as they play host to Kansas Christian. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
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