FORT SMITH, Ark. —Tim Jordan Jr.'s career high shooting night helped propel the Hillcats (19-9, 13-6 MIAA) secured an key 84-79 overtime victory over Arkansas-Fort Smith (20-8, 11-8 MIAA) on Saturday at the Stubblefield Center. This win gives RSU a notable win to their resume for the NCAA Central Region rankings, where they were tabbed ninth last week. 

Rogers State will rematch Fort Hays State in the MIAA Quarterfinals on March 6 at 8:15 p.m. from historic Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. The two teams met in the MIAA Tournament Semifinals last season. 

The Hillcats maintained a seven-point lead at halftime and outscored the Lions 15-10 in a tense second half to clinch the win. RSU capitalized on 27 points off turnovers and tallied 34 points in the paint, while holding the UAFS to just 10 points in the final half.

RSU opened the first half by establishing an offensive rhythm with strong shooting from beyond the arc, connecting on 8 of 11 three-point attempts. The team capitalized on turnovers, scoring 20 points off the Lions' 11 giveaways. Notable contributions included a series of successful plays by Jordan Jr. and Benard Omooria, who both made key three-pointers to fuel the scoring effort.

Defensively, the Hillcats managed to slow down the Lions' attacks, forcing several turnovers and maintaining a robust perimeter defense that limited the opponent's scoring opportunities. As the half progressed, RSU built a steady advantage, closing the half with a 40–33 lead, demonstrating efficiency in both offensive execution and defensive pressure.

Arkansas-Fort Smith opened the second half with a brief momentum shift, closing the gap with a series of successful shots, but the Cats' responded effectively. Jordan Jr. led a scoring surge for RSU with a mix of layups and a three-pointer, helping to maintain a competitive edge. Jabryn Anderson added critical points from the free-throw line and the paint, while also contributing defensively with rebounds.

Despite trading baskets throughout the half, the Hillcats faced challenges keeping the lead as the Lions capitalized on turnovers. The half ended with a tightly contested score, with Ark.-Fort Smith slightly outscoring RSU 36-29 in the half. The game remained closely contested, heading into the next phase with RSU holding a narrow advantage.

RSU capitalized on opportunities in the second half, maintaining their lead through a series of successful free throws. Anderson's consistent performance from the line helped extend the advantage as RSU went 11-for-14 in free throws. Caden Fry and Jordan Jr. contributed with key layups, further solidifying the team's position.

Defensively, RSU made crucial stops, highlighted by blocks from Jordan Jr. and Anderson, which limited Ark.-Fort Smith's scoring chances. Despite the opponent's late surge with a couple of three-pointers, RSU closed the half strong, holding a 15-10 edge in the half and leading 84-79 at the end of regulation.

Jordan Jr. led the team with 25 points, including three 3-pointers, while also adding five rebounds. Anderson contributed significantly with 24 points, making eight free throws and collecting seven rebounds. Omooria scored 11 points, all from 3-pointers, and dished out three assists. Andrew Mason provided defensive support with two blocks and added seven points and four assists.

Brandon Scott led the scoring for the Lions with 25 points, shooting a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line and adding four steals. Christian Moore contributed 15 points, hitting three 3-pointers and dishing out five assists. Jarren McAllister added 14 points and matched Scott with four steals, while converting 5 of 10 from the field. VJ Reeves also tallied 14 points, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc.