CLAREMORE, Okla. – The No. 3-ranked Washburn Ichabods wrapped up the regular season road portion of their schedule with an 81-64 road victory over Rogers State on Saturday afternoon, improving to 26-1 overall and 16-1 in MIAA play. The Ichabods will return home for their final two regular season games starting with Pittsburg State on Wednesday in Lee Arena.

Washburn wasted little time asserting itself. An early 6-0 run set the tone as the Ichabods pounded the ball inside and converted in transition. Dillon Claussen established position on the block for a pair of quick buckets, and Bryson Smith attacked off the bounce to force the Hillcats into early foul trouble. The Ichabods never trailed, methodically building a lead that reached double digits midway through the first half.

A key stretch came when Washburn pieced together an 8-0 run, sparked by defensive stops and crisp ball movement. Brady Christiansen buried a perimeter jumper, Jack Bachelor knocked down a three from the wing, and Claussen capped the surge with a strong finish inside.

By halftime, Washburn held a 40-28 advantage, shooting a blistering 55.2 percent in the opening 20 minutes.

The second half followed a similar script. Each time Rogers State threatened to chip away at the deficit, Washburn answered. Smith drew nine fouls on the afternoon and made a living at the free-throw line where he went 11-of-13 for the game. His 26-point effort was a Washburn career-best for the senior.

Claussen complemented Smith's production with 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting, adding four boards and tying a career high with six assists.

Off the bench, Marcus Glock provided a spark with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including two 3-pointers. Jeremiah Jones added eight points and a team-high six rebounds, helping the Ichabods secure a 33-21 edge on the glass.

In total, Washburn shot 51.7 percent (31-of-60) from the field and converted 13-of-17 free throws. The Ichabods dominated the paint with a 42-26 scoring advantage inside and turned 13 Hillcat turnovers into 15 points. They also owned a 20-7 edge in second-chance points.

Defensively, Washburn limited Rogers State to 48 percent shooting overall and just 31.8 percent from three-point range.

Notes:
• Jeremiah Jones pulled within one of of tying the Washburn single season steals record of 82 set by Will McNeill during the 2012-13 season.
• Jones also tied a career-high with two blocks.
• Smith's 26 points was a career-best as were his 15 field goal attempts, 11 free throws and 13 free throw attempts.