TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State rallied back from a double-digit deficit but would fall short 62-54 to Rogers State in their home opener on Wednesday evening.  

The RiverHawks trailed as many as 12-points with 11 minutes remaining and made it a game on the Hillcats with nine unanswered points despite shooting 30.5-percent (18-59) on the floor. 

"They were out there fighting and trying to finish the game but we are still going through our growing pains being a new staff, a new team, and learning our way," said head coach Mark Downey following the contest.

"We didn't quit, shooting the ball is what we are supposed to do and we got to have guys in the gym and getting shots up…we had a lot of open looks and then we miss nine free throws and lose by eight.  We just got to have guys step up and they will, the guys are still learning each other, learning our system, and learning where shots are going to come from."

With six minutes remaining Northeastern State made it a 52-50 contest on the Hillcats and forced a turnover with a chance to tie or pull ahead for the first time.   However, NSU would turn the ball back over and Rogers State scored in their next three possessions to made it an eight-point game to pull ahead for the final time.

Tanner Mouse led the RiverHawks with 12 points with Jamir Andrews was the team's other player in double digits with ten points.
 
NSU led in rebounding 42-to-39 with Josh Bougher leading his squad with nine, Mouse had the team's second highest total with seven. 

Rogers State (2-1) led for the entirety of the game with Baron Smith Jr. having a game high 15 points.

Northeastern State (1-2) will return to action on Saturday to host Ecclesia College at 3:30 p.m.