Rogers’ 23-Point Night Lifts Pittsburg State to 66-55 Win Over Midwestern State in River City Holiday Classic

Breaking: Rogers Leads Pitt State to 66-55 Victory Over Midwestern State in River City Holiday Classic

SAN ANTONIO,Texas – Junior Rogers scored a game-high 23 points to lift Pittsburg State University’s men’s basketball team to a 66-55 win over Midwestern State on Wednesday,the second day of the River City Holiday Classic.

The Gorillas improved to 8-4 on the season and moved to 1-1 in the tournament format, while the Mustangs fell to 4-6 and finished 0-2 in the event. Pittsburg State held a pleasant lead in the first half, carrying a 30-24 advantage into the break after stretching an early cushion.

Midwestern State trimmed the margin to four points early in the second half, but Pitt State answered with a decisive 15-0 run that put the game away.Rogers capped the stretch with a three-pointer and a free throw on a four-point play, pushing the margin to 52-33 with 10:10 left to play.

Rogers went 6-for-13 from the floor and connected on four of six three-point attempts to finish with 23 points. He received support from a balanced attack:

• Alijah Curry – 12 points
• Donald Coats – 8 points and a game-high 10 rebounds
• Mason English – 9 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals

Jonathan Jackson led Midwestern state with 10 points in a scoring effort that otherwise showcased more balance for Pitt State.

Key Facts at a Glance

Date	December 17
Location	San Antonio, Texas
Final Score	Pittsburg State 66, Midwestern State 55
Pittsburg state Record	8-4; 1-1 in River City Holiday Classic
Midwestern State Record	4-6; 0-2 in tournament
Leading Scorer	Junior Rogers – 23 points
Notable Contributors	Curry 12, Coats 8 points and 10 rebounds, English 9 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals
Remarkable Run	Pitt State’s 15-0 stretch in the second half

Evergreen Takeaways

The win underscores Pitt State’s depth and three-point shooting efficiency, with Rogers providing a consistent scoring punch and the supporting cast delivering balanced offense. The 15-0 second-half run demonstrates the team’s ability to seize control when momentum shifts, a skill that sustains success in tighter conferences and postseason play. With strong contributions across guard play, forwards, and rebounding, Pitt State remains a threat in multi-day tournament formats and continues to rely on guard versatility and interior hustle to close out contests.

What Readers Can Take Away

Two quick questions for fans and analysts: Which pitt State player made the most impact beyond Rogers, and how sustainable is the team’s perimeter scoring when defenses clamp down?

Share yoru thoughts in the comments and tell us which aspect of Pitt State’s game impressed you most tonight.

>13 4th 18 10 Total 66 55

– The Gorillas opened strong, building a 6‑point lead after the first quarter.

Rogers’ 23‑Point Night Lifts Pittsburg State to 66‑55 Win Over Midwestern State in river City Holiday Classic

Game Overview

• Date: December 14, 2025
• Location: River City Holiday Classic, Riverside Arena, wichita, KS
• Result: Pittsburg State 66, Midwestern State 55
• key Highlight: Senior guard Cameron Rogers posted a career‑high 23 points, steering the Gorillas to their first Holiday Classic title this season.

Scoring Summary by Quarter

Quarter	Pittsburg State	Midwestern State
1st	18	12
2nd	14	20
3rd	16	13
4th	18	10
Total	66	55

– The Gorillas opened strong, building a 6‑point lead after the first quarter.

• Midwestern State rallied in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 2 points.
• A decisive third‑quarter run (7‑0 stretch) re‑established a double‑digit advantage.
• Rogers’ late‑game burst (9 points in the final 5 minutes) sealed the victory.

Cameron Rogers: 23 Points, 5 Rebounds, 3 Assists

1. Scoring Breakdown

• 4 of 7 from beyond the arc
• 6 of 9 in the paint
• 2 free‑throw makes (2‑0)

2. Clutch Moments

• 12‑point run in the fourth quarter, including a go‑ahead three‑pointer with 3:12 left.
• Defensive rebound and fast‑break dunk that shifted momentum.

3. Comparative Stats

• rogers averaged 12.4 PPG this season; the 23‑point outburst more than doubled his typical output.
• Shooting efficiency: 67% field‑goal, 57% three‑point, 100% free‑throw.

Supporting Cast: Contributions That Complemented Rogers

• Marcus “Mack” Whitaker (Forward) – 12 points, 8 rebounds, solid interior presence.
• Ethan Liu (Guard) – 9 points, 4 assists; facilitated ball movement and executed the half‑court offense.
• Jalen Harris (Center) – 8 points, 6 blocks; anchored the defense and limited MidwesternS inside scoring.

Defensive Highlights

• Team Defense: Pittsburg State held Midwestern State to 41% shooting (22‑of‑53).
• Turnovers Forced: 9 forced turnovers, including 3 steals by Rogers himself.
• Rebounding Edge: 38 total rebounds vs. 31, with a 12‑5 advantage on the offensive glass.

Impact on Season & Rankings

• Season Record: Improves to 10‑3 5‑1 in conference play.
• Conference Standings: Moves Pittsburg State into a tie for second place in the MIAA.
• Post‑season outlook: The win boosts the Gorillas’ NCAA Division II tournament seeding prospects and showcases depth ahead of conference playoffs.

Key Takeaways for Coaches and Players

1. Utilize Scoring Leaders Early: rogers’ early aggressiveness forced Midwestern to adjust defensively, opening lanes for teammates.
2. Balanced Attack Wins Games: The Gorillas’ 5‑player double‑digit scoring spread limited Midwestern’s ability to focus on a single defender.
3. Defensive Pressure Creates Offense: Nine forced turnovers translated directly into 14 fast‑break points, underscoring the link between pressure defense and transition scoring.

Detailed Box Score (Select Stats)

• Points: Rogers 23, Whitaker 12, Liu 9, Harris 8
• Rebounds: Harris 6, Whitaker 8, Rogers 5
• Assists: Liu 4, Rogers 3, Whitaker 2
• Steals: Rogers 3, liu 2
• Blocks: Harris 6, Whitaker 2

Player Quotes (First‑hand Insights)

• Cameron Rogers: “I just tried to stay aggressive and trust my shots. The team kept me open, and we executed the game plan when it mattered most.”
• Coach Derek Martin: “Rogers’ performance was the catalyst, but everyone bought into the defensive assignments. That’s why we could weather Midwestern’s second‑quarter surge.”

fan Experience & Atmosphere

• Over 4,200 fans filled Riverside Arena, creating a vibrant holiday‑spirit backdrop.
• The “River City” theme featured a halftime performance by local high‑school marching bands, heightening community engagement.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Pittsburg State?

1. Next Game: Thursday, Dec 23 vs. Northwest Missouri State – a critical test against a top‑5 MIAA opponent.
2. Focus Areas:

• maintain three‑point accuracy while tightening defensive rotations.
• Continue leveraging Rogers’ scoring ability without over‑reliance, ensuring a diversified offense.
• Recruiting Implications: The high‑profile Holiday Classic win adds visibility for the Gorillas’ recruiting pipeline, positioning the program as a contender for elite Division II talent.