RSU Athletics
Jake Hudspeth
CLAREMORE – Rogers State men’s basketball (8-5, 2-5 MIAA) opened 2022 in dominant fashion as they got the year started off right with a 74-60 win over Nebraska-Kearney (5-7, 1-5 MIAA) on New Year’s Day.
Four Hillcats finished in double figures in the win. Devin Pullum led the way with 15 points and four rebounds and three assists to go with two steals. Brewster Peacock posted 12 points with three rebounds. Both Joey Saracco and Jordan Coblin put up 10 points apiece with Saracco adding two rebounds and a steal and Coblin adding a team-high four rebounds and three assists as well as a steal.
The game was close to start with four lead changes and four ties in the first part of the opening half. However, when RSU went up 16-15 with 10:56 left in the period they never looked back. They managed to string together several point runs and carried a commanding 43-28 lead into the break.
The Lopers showed some fight to start the second half as they opened on a 7-2 run to trim the lead to 45-36. However, that would be as close as they would get. The Hillcats responded and pushed out to their largest lead of 74-52 with just under three minutes left. They eventually took the 74-60 victory.
RSU will be back in action at the Claremore Expo Center on Monday, Jan. 4 as they welcome Fort Hays State. Tip off is slated for 6 p.m.