Box Score CLAREMORE, Okla. – The St. Edward's men's basketball team cut a double-digit lead to one point in the final minute of action, but couldn't overcome Rogers State, 78-75, Thursday evening in Heartland Conference play at the Claremore Expo Center.
St. Edward's (7-9, 3-5 HC) spread the ball around early, taking a 12-6 lead in the first three minutes of action. All five Hilltopper starters scored during the opening stanza.
Rogers State (11-6, 6-3 HC) fought back, using a 14-3 run over the next five minutes to take back the lead, 20-15, with 11 minutes remaining. Robinson Odoch Opong led the way with seven points during the run.
The lead would expand to as many as 13 points down the stretch in the first half but St. Edward's would cut the lead down to nine, 45-36 at the break, after
RAMIR BURTON canned a layup at the buzzer.
In the second half, the Hillcats controlled much of the play. Their lead hovered around double digits for most of the half. With Rogers State ahead, 74-64, with just over five minutes remaining, St. Edward's made a play for the contest.
HARLEY NUSSMAN hit a layup with 4:53 left.
ETHAN GILBERT was fouled while taking a three pointer and he made two of the three free throws.
RAMIR BURTON notched a layup with 2:52 left and
JOHN RUTHERFORD nailed a three-pointer at the 2:01 mark to cut the lead to one, 74-73.
After trading two Hillcat free throws for a Burton basket kept the difference at one point, St. Edward's was forced to foul. After two free throws by Rogers State pushed the lead to three points, Burton's desperation three pointer came up short.
Burton led the Hilltoppers with 21 points, four rebounds and three assists.
JAMES STUKES tallied 16 points, while Gilbert added 11 points. Nussman registered a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
St. Edward's will be back in action Saturday when they travel to take on Heartland Conference rival Arkansas Fort Smith. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m. at the Stubblefield Center. Live video and stats will be available on the Lion Athletic Website.
