CLAREMORE, Okla. — Missouri Southern men's basketball (9-8, 3-5 MIAA) fell to Rogers State (11-6, 5-3 MIAA) 68-55 on Saturday at the Claremore Expo Center.
The Lions led by four points at halftime, but RSU surged in the second half with a 38-point effort. Southern managed 26 points in the paint and forced eight steals, but the Hillcats capitalized with an 18-point performance off turnovers to secure the win.
The Lions now stand at 9-8 overall and 3-5 in MIAA play. RSU holds an 11-6 overall record and is 5-3 in league competition.
Gavyn Elkamil scored 17 points, including three 3-pointers, to lead the offensive efforts. He shot 6-for-14 from the field.
Jaden Taylor added 13 points, converting all three of his free-throw attempts and shooting 5-for-12.
Colin Ruffin contributed with nine points, five rebounds, a career-best four steals and three assists.
Tyrone Wright Jr. was effective on defense, blocking two shots and collecting nine rebounds.
The first half began with both teams exchanging leads and ties in the early stages. Missouri Southern took an initial edge with Elkamil's jumper at 19:03.
Isaiah Atwater and Ruffin contributed key layups, keeping the score close as RSU responded with baskets from Tim Jordan Jr. and Caden Fry.
Midway through the half, MSSU gained momentum with a series of defensive stops and key plays. Ruffin's 3-pointer at 10:07 sparked a run, with Taylor adding consecutive baskets to extend the lead. The Lions capitalized on turnovers, increasing their advantage to 21–15.
As the half concluded, Missouri Southern maintained its lead through effective free-throw shooting and timely defensive rebounds. The Lions closed the half ahead, 34–30, setting a competitive tone for the remainder of the matchup.
MSSU started the second half with a slim lead, but RSU quickly turned the momentum after a series of free throws by Jordan and a 3-pointer from Jabryn Anderson, allowing them to edge ahead. Elkamil's layup briefly extended the Southern lead to 38-32, but a scoring run from the Hillcats saw them regain control.
Despite a defensive effort that included blocks from
Hunter Fitch and
Jackson Shorter, the Lions struggled to counter RSU's scoring bursts. Key baskets from Fry and Stephon Thomas increased the Rogers State advantage, while Southern faced challenges converting its opportunities, shooting 7-for-26 from the field in the half.
As the contest closed, Missouri Southern's attempts to cut into the deficit were met with resistance, with the Hillcats maintaining their lead. The second half concluded with RSU outscoring Southern 38-21, bringing the game to a 66-55 margin in favor of Rogers State.
Atwater finished Saturday with seven points in his fifth start of the campaign.
MSSU next heads to conference rival Pittsburg State on Saturday, Jan. 24. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m., CT from John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court in Pittsburg, Kansas.
