Claremore, Okla. -- The NCAA D-II Rogers State University Hillcats used one big second half spurt to defeat the Mid-America Christian University Lady Evangels 73-61 in non-conference action today (Dec. 31) in Claremore, Okla. 

After a three by Lauren McKinney put the Lady Evangels (8-3, 2-0 SAC) on top of their former Sooner Athletic Conference rivals 43-42, the Hillcats ripped off 15 straight points by holding MACU scoreless over the next eight minutes to lead by 14 at the 8:20 mark. 

RSU's spurt featured nine free throws and a pair of buckets by Clarissa Cannon.  

The Hillcats (4-9) maintained control from that point and never allowed the Lady Evangels closer than eight the rest of the way. 

MACU got off to a good start and led by as many as eight when a three by Maclayn Massey capped a 10-1 spurt for a 21-13 lead at the 10:46 mark of the first half. 

It was a 24-17 advantage for the Lady Evangels when the Hillcats used a 14-5 burst to lead 31-29 on consecutive scores from Cannon. 

Alliyah Spatafora then scored to tie the score again, but RSU scored the last four points of the half to lead 35-31 at the break. 

McKinney and Ashlee Ferguson each scored 14 to lead the Lady Evangels, with McKinney, Adaugo Osuala and Tierra Brown each securing a team-high six rebounds. 

Cannon led all scorers with 25 points for the Hillcats, while Katy Harsen added 19 along with eight rebounds. 

The Lady Evangels out-shot the Hillcats 38.9 percent (21-of-54) to 35.1 percent (20-of-57), but were hurt by a 49-33 rebounding deficit.  

MACU will next resume action in the SAC with a home matchup against conference newcomer Northwood University on Thursday evening (Jan. 2) at 6 p.m. inside the Gaulke Activity Center.