Feb. 8, 2008

Lubbock, Texas - Lubbock Christian (Texas) University Men's Basketball Head Coach John Copeland nearly celebrated his 800th game watching his team rebound from a 19-point second-half deficit, but the Rogers State (Okla.) University Hillcats were able to hold onto their lead and defeat the Chaparrals 69-65 Thursday night (Feb. 7) at Rip Griffin Center.

Late in the first half, the Hillcats went on a 7-0 run to pull away from the Chaps and eventually take a 38-25 lead.  RSU continued their momentum in the second half and quickly built their lead up to 19 before the Chaps started chipping away.  Kenny Hewitt and Bernardo Rocha combined for 19 second half points to get the Chaps back into the game, and guard Munir Shakir ended a drought of eight consecutive games without a three-pointer with a tray that tied the game 60-60.  Missed shots and turnovers doomed the Chaps in the final moments and a 7-0 Hillcats run following Shakir's field goal helped them hold on for the win.

Hewitt finished with a game-high 18 points in the loss, while Rocha finished with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.  RSU received balance production from their offense.  Bryson Krueger led the Hillcats with 15 points and Aldric Reynolds and Eric Young each trailed Krueger with 13 each. 

Copeland was coaching in his 800th basketball game at Lubbock Christian.  He is currently in his 28th season and has a 419-381 all-time coaching record. The Chaps remain home Saturday and will host John Brown University.  Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.