CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State women's basketball (4-4, 0-1 MIAA) came up just short against Missouri Southern (8-4, 1-0 MIAA) in a heartbreaking 57-54 decision to open the MIAA slate on Wednesday.
 
"We played hard and this was a good defensive game on both sides," said Head Coach Heather Davis. "If we had taken care of the ball a little better and got a few more rebounds, I think things might have gone the other way. Kudos to Missouri Southern, they are a really good defensive team and do a good job rushing you on some shots. I am proud of Ella with another double-double. She can really play and is a great athlete. Tonight was a good measuring stick for where we stack up in the league this year. If we keep playing hard like we did tonight, we are going to find success."
 
Ella Hafer led the Hillcats with her third double-double of the season, putting up 14 points with 10 rebounds. Destiny Jones added 10 points with three rebounds and three assists. Alyza Aikins finished one point and one rebound shy of a double-double with nine points and nine boards along with two assists, a block and a steal.
 
This was an incredibly close, defensive game from the tip with the two sides matching each other bucket-for-bucket in the first half of the opening period. However, the Lions pushed out in front with a couple of mini runs to take a 13-8 lead into the final 10 minutes of the half.
 
The Hillcats tightened things back up in the second quarter with three ties and two lead changes. A 10-2 run midway through the period gave RSU their first lead at 21-19, but Southern closed out the half on a 4-1 run to take back a slim 23-22 lead going into the break.
 
The two sides went back and forth in the opening minutes of the third quarter, but the Hillcats were able to build out to their largest lead of the game at 30-25. However, the Lions fought back with a 12-5 run to retake the lead 37-35 going into the fourth quarter.
 
Things remained close in the final 10 minutes with five ties and four lead changes. Down two possessions late, Bailey Layman knocked down a clutch three-pointer with fifteen seconds left to cut the deficit to 55-54. Unfortunately, fouls and costly turnovers kept the Hillcats from completing the upset as MSSU claimed the 57-54 win.
 
RSU returns to the hardwood on Saturday, Dec. 7 as they face off against Pittsburg State inside the Claremore Expo Center. Tipoff is set for 1:30 p.m.