Game Statistics

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (Nov. 20) -- A 13-2 run to end the first half put Rockhurst in control and Central Oklahoma couldn't recover in dropping a 75-69 decision here Friday on the first day of the Hillyard Classic.

The No. 17-ranked Bronchos trailed 43-29 at intermission after Rockhurst's late surge, fell behind by 18 early in the second half and then had a late rally repelled in dropping to 1-1 on the young season as the Hawks held on for the upset.

UCO ends the two-day event Saturday with a 7:30 p.m. contest against host Missouri Western.

"We got off to a slow start and just never got going," UCO coach Terry Evans said.  "We did a good job battling back in the second half, but couldn't get over the hump."

Shane Carroll led the Bronchos, knocking down 5-of-9 3-pointers in scoring a game-high 22 points while adding seven rebounds and two steals.  Dauntae Williams had 19 points, a game-high eight rebounds and four steals as the only other player to score in double figures for UCO.

The Bronchos never led and were tied just twice (9-9 and 12-12).  UCO trailed just 30-27 after a Williams layup with 5:22 left in the opening half, but Rockhurst ended with its 13-2 scoring spurt to grab a commanding 43-29 lead at the break.

The deficit grew to 18 (52-34) with 15:51 remaining and then the Bronchos began to chip away, finally pulling within 63-59 on a Brent Friday dunk at the 6:53 mark.  But the Hawks answered back with eight unanswered points and UCO could get no closer than five the rest of the way.