CLAREMORE, Okla. — Rogers State women's basketball (2-5) fell to Henderson State (4-0), 75-59, at the Claremore Expo Center on Saturday afternoon.
RSU led at halftime but was outscored by 21 points in the second half. The Reddies capitalized on 16 points from turnovers and held a significant 18-4 edge in second-chance points to secure the win.
The opening quarter began with the Hillcats establishing a presence in the paint, scoring six points, while also effectively utilizing fast breaks to add four more.
Kate Melton contributed early with a layup, and
Samantha Shanks provided a defensive spark with a block and a defensive rebound. A key scoring drive saw the Cats' take the lead with a series of successful free throws and a three-pointer by
Ataya Casaus at 4:11.
Continuing to build momentum, RSU extended its advantage with a fast-break layup by Shanks and a jumper from Casaus, pushing the score to 14-8.
Cheyan McDaniel-Deatherage three-pointer at 1:29 further solidified the lead. Despite a late push from the Reddies, which included Grayson Fairless's layup and free throw, the Hillcats closed the quarter ahead, 17-15.
RSU opened the second quarter with a strong offensive burst, as Casaus contributed a free throw and Shanks added a tip-in to extend the lead early. The team continued to build momentum with Shanks hitting a 3-pointer, which was assisted by
Jaiana Wiggins, pushing the score to 23-15.
Midway through the quarter, the Hillcats maintained pressure with consistent scoring from the bench, highlighted by
Michelle Arens' layup off a fast break assisted by McDaniel-Deatherage. Despite the Reddies' attempts to cut the deficit, RSU's defense held firm, allowing only 14 points in the quarter. The Hillcats closed the period leading 34-29, maintaining a five-point advantage heading into halftime.
RSU began the third quarter with a narrow lead and maintained momentum with
Bailey Layman's successful free throws at 8:56, expanding the score to 36–31. Shanks added a 3-pointer at 7:08, assisted by Melton, pushing the lead to 39–34. Despite strong early efforts, the Reddies responded with a series of successful layups and a 3-pointer by Natalie Cardenas, closing the gap.
In the latter half,
Destiny Jones managed a layup at 3:46 to regain a slim lead at 41–40. However, the Reddies capitalized on turnovers, with Cardenas's free throws shifting the lead to 45–43. A late 3-pointer by Cardenas at 0:43 extended the Reddies' advantage. The quarter ended with the Cats' trailing 52–45 after a final layup by Brynlee Huggins.
The fourth quarter began with the Reddies maintaining momentum as they quickly increased their lead. RSU struggled to find consistent scoring, but McDaniel-Deatherage's three-pointer at 7:21 provided a temporary boost. Despite efforts from the Hillcats, including a defensive block by McDaniel-Deatherage at 6:16, the Reddies continued to advance, leading to a 62-50 score halfway through the quarter.
RSU managed to capitalize on some fast-break opportunities, with Shanks scoring a layup at 1:53. However, Henderson St. effectively responded to each attempt, maintaining their lead through free throws and field goals. The quarter concluded with the Reddies extending their advantage, ending the game with a 75-59 victory.
Shanks led the way for RSU with 17 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds. Wiggins also contributed to the rebounding effort, collecting 10 boards and adding four points. Casaus added 10 points, while contributing five rebounds and two assists. McDaniel-Deatherage was effective on defense, tallying two blocks and two steals alongside her eight points.
Cardenas led the Reddies with 27 points, shooting 6-for-15 from the field and 12-of-14 from the free-throw line, while also making three 3-pointers. Fairless contributed 14 points and dominated the boards with 16 rebounds, including seven on the offensive end. Huggins added 19 points, connecting on 8-of-19 field goals and making two 3-pointers. Sam Basson facilitated the offense with five assists and recorded two steals.
RSU will open MIAA against Missouri Southern in Joplin next Thursday.
