TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State's late game charge came up short in their home finale falling 74-67 to the Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday afternoon.    

The RiverHawks closed in, 68-65, with 36 seconds left following a pair of free-throws by Tanner Mouse.  UNK helped ice the game on free-throws and the RiverHawks missed on their next possession, where the Lopers quickly went down for a dunk to pull their lead out to 72-65 and halt NSU's comeback.

Saturday's loss has not ended NSU's hopes of making the MIAA Tournament but now is tied with Missouri Western and Pittsburg State with matching 3-14 records.  The Gorillas kept their postseason hopes alive with a 65-63 win in Pittsburg, Mo. on Saturday.   Northeastern State does not have the head-to-head edge on Pitt State with the RiverHawks falling 80-59 on their floor earlier this season.  The RiverHawks do have the head-to-head edge on Missouri Western with NSU winning 55-41 at the Event Center in late November. 

Two games left on the schedule, there is still plenty to be played for.

Cameron Martin, Tanner Mouse, and Karon Waller all led the RiverHawks with 14 points.  Northeastern State started Waller for the second time this season on his senior day along with teammates: Erick Broadnax, Javon Wallace, and Braxton Williams.

The RiverHawks shot 39-percent (23-59) from the field with most of their shots coming from inside after making a pair of three-pointers; Nebraska-Kearney was 43.2-perent (19-44) on their side of the floor. 

Waller was a rebound short of a double-double with nine as NSU took the team edge over the Lopers 36-to-30.  Northeastern State grabbed 13 on the offensive glass but was limited to ten second-chance points.

UNK (18-8, 11-6 MIAA) was sent to the line 38 times with 30 points scored, they were led by Trey Lansman who had a double-double with 17 points, and 12 rebounds.

Saturday's loss drops the RiverHawks to 4-21 overall and 3-14 in the MIAA.  Northeastern State will travel on Thursday to Emporia State for a 7:30 p.m. tip.