TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Senior
Caden Fry's s double-double guided RSU men's basketball (18-9, 12-6 MIAA) to a narrow 84-80 victory in the rematch over Northeastern State (12-15, 5-13 MIAA) on Wednesday at the NSU Event Center.
Senior
Andrew Mason made history with his 48-career block in the first half, surpassing Joey Saracco's (2020-23) previous record. Mason achieved this feat in just his second season with the Hillcats.
The arch rivals were tied at 40 at halftime before RSU pulled ahead in the second half, thanks in part to a 7-for-17 performance from three-point range and a 12-8 advantage in points off turnovers. The RiverHawks kept pace with an 11-point contribution in fast break points but ultimately fell short in the final seconds.
Rogers State opened the game with an assertive offensive effort, quickly establishing a 4-0 lead with baskets from Mason and
Jabryn Anderson. The half saw both teams exchange leads frequently, with 11 ties and each team holding the lead four times. The Hillcats capitalized on turnovers, scoring seven points off turnovers and maintaining efficient ball control with only three turnovers compared to NSU's seven.
As the first half progressed, Fry contributed significantly, hitting two three-pointers and adding another basket to keep momentum.
Tim Jordan Jr. added to the offensive push with a layup and free throws, while
Damondre McKnight's dunk in transition highlighted the Cats' fast-break capabilities. Despite these efforts, the half concluded with a 40-40 tie, as the RiverHawks matched the intensity with consistent scoring in the paint.
RSU began the second half by quickly overturning a narrow deficit. Anderson converted a layup and free throw to take the lead at 18:52. This momentum continued with Jordan Jr.'s layup, assisted by Anderson, stretching the advantage.
The Hillcats maintained their edge with a series of baskets, including a crucial 3-pointer from Fry at 17:25, keeping their lead intact. The Hillcats capitalized on the RiverHawks' turnovers, with Fry also adding a dunk following an Anderson steal at 13:46, extending the lead further.
As the half progressed, RSU sustained its offensive rhythm, highlighted by a 3-pointer from
Benard Omooria at 8:37. Despite a late surge from Northeastern State, including a 3-pointer from Taven Washington, the Hillcats closed the half strong. Key free throws by McKnight in the final seconds secured the 84-80 victory.
Fry collected his third double-double of the season with 26 points and collected 11 rebounds. Jordan Jr. contributed 16 points, shooting 6 of 9 from the field. Mason matched Jordan Jr. with 16 points and also recorded two steals. Anderson added 11 points and dished out six assists while securing eight rebounds.
RSU will head to Fort Smith to take on UAFS for the regular-season finale at 3 p.m.
