FORT SMITH, Ark. – Northeastern State battled but could not hold onto a third quarter lead as they faded late to a 75-62 loss on Wednesday evening at UA-Fort Smith
 
Holding onto a 55-53 advantage with just over three minutes left in the third quarter, the RiverHawks went ice cold for the next eight while the Lions scored 17 straight. 
 
Wednesday's loss sends Northeastern State to 2-5 overall, while UA-Fort Smith moves up to 2-6.
 
Cailyn Long paced the RiverHawks with 16 points and now sits on 970 in her career. Bailee Eldred had 12 with a team high nine rebounds, while Cenia Hayes and Joi Bertrand both had eight.
 
Bertrand matched her career high with four blocks and now has 20 for the season through seven contests.
 
Northeastern State shot 45.2-percent through three quarters before finishing the game 2-for-14 from the field.  From long range, they went 6-for-18 with five made treys in the third quarter.   The Lions were 47.5-percent on their side of the floor with Ellie Lehne having a team high 15 off the bench.
 
The Numbers
3 – Third straight win by the Lions over the RiverHawks with the series tied at 3-3.
5 – Fifth straight game away from the NSU Event Center this season.
9 – Northeastern State committed a season low nine turnovers against the Lady Lions.
44 – UA-Fort Smith outscored the RiverHawks by 20 inside the paint with 44 points.
 
COMING UP
Northeastern State remains on the road but will open MIAA play next Wednesday at Pittsburg State at 5:30 p.m.