TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State withstood a late Missouri Southern rally to pick up a 63-60 win behind a double-double performance by Lauryn Blevins on Wednesday evening at the NSU Event Center.  Blevins had 14 points and ten rebounds for the RiverHawks (9-8, 5-5 MIAA) who had three others in double figures against the Lions (10-9, 7-4 MIAA).
 
Miranda Griffin added 11 points with Cailyn Long and Joi Bertrand both having ten points each for the RiverHawks who earned their first win over the Lions in the last four ties.
 
Long had a momentum changing three pointer for NSU with just over two minutes remaining to tie the contest at 63; before connecting on the trey, the sure-handed NSU junior was 1-for-6 at the arc.
 
Just prior to the Long bucket, Missouri Southern tore down a 14 point NSU lead in the second half and took their first advantage since the opening minutes of the contest.  The Lions' offense shut down the rest of the way with the RiverHawks forcing a pair of key turnovers.
 
The RiverHawks finished the evening shooting 43.6 percent (24-55) from the field and out-rebounding the Lions 41-to-36; Bailee Eldred was second on NSU's lineup with nine grabs off the glass.  Missouri Southern shot 34.9 percent (22-63) with Chelsey Henry having a game high 29 points.
 
 HEAD COACH FALA BULLOCK ON THE HOME WIN OVER MISSOURI SOUTHERN
"I'm just really excited about the team effort tonight and that we found a way to win and beat a really good team.  We did't do everything right tonight but at the end of the day we found a way to get it done. I'm really just proud of their effort and their commitment to the team and finding a way."
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
4 – Blevins' double-double was the fourth this season for the RiverHawks and her career first.
11 – Wednesday's contest is the 11th win over Missouri Southern in 13 trips to Tahlequah.
19 – Northeastern State's bench outscored the Lions 19-to-2.
 
COMING UP
Northeastern State will remain at home to host Pitt State this Saturday at 12:30 p.m.