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  • Rogers State guard Donald Williams (3) soars past a USAO player for a layup in the first half of Thursday’s 88-84 victory at the Claremore Expo Center. Williams finished with 18 points. THOMAS VANHOOSER

    RSUvsUSAO_336web.jpg
February 3, 2012

Hillcats pull off stunning win over USAO

Tim Ritter Sports Editor

CLAREMORE — Kendrell Thompson and Donald Williams powered the Rogers State University men’s basketball team to a 88-84 win over Science & Arts of Oklahoma Thursday night in Sooner Athletic Conference play at the Claremore Expo Center.

The two Hillcat guards combined for 38 points — Thompson with 20 and Williams with 18 — as RSU improved to 17-4 overall and 10-4 in conference.

Trailing 61-51 with under 11 minutes remaining in the game, the Hillcats’ march toward victory began.

Eight straight points by reserve center Brian Gibson keyed the rally and trimmed USAO’s lead to 63-59.

A reverse dunk by Williams off the assist from Alex Ewings got the Hillcats within three at 65-62.

Then, with 7:43 remaining in the game, Thompson buried a huge three pointer to put the Hillcats ahead, 69-66.

The lead was short-lived as USAO answered on a three-pointer by Phillip Harris.

After both teams traded baskets and the lead, Kenny Edwards put the Hillcats up for good at 80-75 on a long-range bomb with 4:17 remaining.

Moments later, Ewings drained a three-pointer and the Hillcats’ lead became 83-75.

USAO, however, wouldn’t go away easy, as Benjamin Berry converted a trey with 43 seconds left to pull the Drovers within three at 83-80.

Ewings sealed the win for the Hillcats, converting his final five free throws.

The Hillcats finished the game shooting 43.5 percent from the field, hitting 27-of-62 field goals.

In the second half, the Hillcats converted 14-of-35 field goals.

Ewings tallied 11 of his 13 points in the final 20 minutes on one field goal and 8-of-11 free throws.

The talented guard from Jenks was one of four Hillcats in double figures.

Edwards also contributed with 12 points for the Hillcats.

Both teams played nip-and-tuck in the first half, with RSU trailing USAO, 44-43 at halftime.

Harris sparked the Drovers in the first 20 minutes, scoring 18 of his game-high 24 points.

Kyle Hunt followed with 17 points and Trell Porter added 11.

The Drovers finished 29-of-52 (.558) from the floor and were 8-of-22 from the perimeter (.364).

RSU also outrebounded USAO, 44-27, including 19-5 on the offensive end.

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