KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hillcat men's basketball (20-9, 13-6 MIAA) rallied from an 18-point deficit to defeat Fort Hays State (19-10, 11-8 MIAA) 70-63 in the MIAA Tournament Quarterfinals on Friday at Municipal Auditorium. The win secured the Cats a spot in the MIAA Tournament Semifinals against Missouri Southern tomorrow night. 

Roger State outscored Fort Hays State 47-24 in the second half, turning a once 18-point deficit into a 70-63 victory, thanks in part to 21 points off turnovers. This marked the Hillcats first win over the Tigers in the MIAA Tournament, and avenged an 80-75 overtime loss in the regular season.  

Senior Caden Fry collected his 1000th career point in the win, making him the seventh men's basketball player to reach this milestone. The Owasso, Oklahoma, native has been a four-year player and three-year starter for the Hillcats. Additionally, Fry's 611 rebounds are the most in school history. 
 
The first half opened with the Hillcats struggling to find its rhythm as they faced defensive pressure from Hays, resulting in early turnovers. Tim Jordan Jr. provided a spark, contributing with a fast-break 3-pointer and a pair of free throws to keep the score competitive midway through the half. Despite efforts from the bench, the Cats' closed the half trailing, 39-23.
 
The second half began with the Hillcats closing the gap through efficient scoring and strong defense. Jordan Jr. initiated the momentum shift with a layup and a free throw early in the half. This was followed by a series of defensive stops and steals, notably by Damondre McKnight, which facilitated fast breaks and scoring opportunities. Andrew Mason and Benard Omooria added a spark from behind the arc that helped claw the Cats within striking distance. 
 
Midway through the half, the Hillcats ignited a comeback with a 20-2 scoring run that was capped off with a dunk by Caden Fry, tying the game. RSU capitalized on the Tigers' turnovers, with timely steals from McKnight, helping propel the Hillcats to victory and keeping their MIAA and NCAA Tournament hopes alive.
 
Four Hillcats finished in double figures. Jordan led with 16 points, four rebounds and an assist. Fry contributed 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Anderson added 13 points and six rebounds. Mason tallied 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block. McKnight distinguished himself on defense with four steals.
 
Kyle Grill led the Tigers with 17 points, including two three-pointers, and grabbed eight rebounds. Dan Mukuna added 14 points and seven boards, while Jahvari Martino chipped in 13 points, three assists, and two three-pointers. Juju Ramirez had a notable defensive presence with three steals, in addition to five points and five rebounds.
 
Rogers State will face Missouri Southern in a rematch of the 2020 MIAA Tournament Semifinals on Saturday at 8:15 p.m. at the Municipal Auditorium. The winner will move on to the championship game against either Washburn or Missouri Western on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.