BILLINGS, Mont. – Rogers State men's basketball (1-0) opened the season in dominant fashion as they never trailed in the 81-58 win over old Heartland Conference foe Texas A&M International (0-1) in the first game of the D2CCA Tipoff Classic on Friday.
 
Four Hillcats finished in double figures on the night. Kofi Hamilton led the way with a career-high 24 points and shot 10-for-12 from the field. to go with five rebounds, an assist and a steal. Anthony Marshall Jr. put up 13 points with a rebound, three assists and two steals. Benard Omooria finished with 11 points, four rebounds, an assist and a steal. Bryce Tillery contributed 10 points with two rebounds, three assists and a steal.
 
RSU got out to a hot start with Hamilton draining a three after the Hillcats forced a turnover on the opening possession of the game. Things went back and forth in the first five minutes until the Hillcats ran out on a 13-2 run to take a 22-10 lead with 11 minutes left in the half. Another 10-2 run put them up 32-13 with seven minutes remaining. RSU eventually ran out to their largest lead of the half at 42-20 with just under two minutes left in the period and carried a 46-29 advantage into the break.
 
TAMIU seemed to find their footing to start the second half as they were able to trim the lead down to 58-45 eight minutes into the period. However, the Hillcats quickly shut them down with a 16-4 run to push back out to their largest margin of the game at 74-49 with six minutes left. The Dustdevils attempted to make a comeback but could only get within 18 points as RSU eventually claimed the 81-58 victory.
 
The Hillcats will be back in action tomorrow as they face off against host Montana State Billings in their second game of the tournament. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. CT.