HAYS, Kan. – Late game magic would not repeat itself for the RiverHawks on Thursday evening with a frantic comeback coming up short 81-74 at Fort Hays State.  Northeastern State (7-18, 3-13 MIAA) trimmed a double-digit deficit down to four points in the final 90 seconds but they could not close in further on the Tigers (15-10, 8-8 MIAA).
 
It was just one week ago that RiverHawks forced two-overtime periods in Tahlequah on sharp three-point shooting before falling empty handed to the Tigers at the NSU Event Center.
 
Tanner Mouse hit a key three-pointer with 1:21 left on the clock to get the RiverHawks within 75-71 of the Tigers.  Following a NSU timeout, the RiverHawks would foul to put Fort Hays State at the line where they would miss the second shot.  Northeastern State picked the critical defensive rebound and made a shot at the arc to try to get within a point with 75 seconds remaining but it missed to halt their late run.
 
Despite trailing from the opening horn and as many as 17 points to the Tigers, the game was statistically even.  One extra made shot by Fort Hays State (27-49) was the difference from the field.  One the glass, the RiverHawks had a 25-to-24 edge with Jamir Andrews having seven as a team high, he would also have a game high 22 points.
 
Trent Cantrell for the second game in a row matched his career high with 16 points off the RiverHawks' bench. Montre' Williams added 13 and Mouse had 12 in his second start of the season.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
9 – Jamir Andrews has nine games this season with over 20 points for the RiverHawks.
29 – Northeastern State had six more turnovers but led 29-to-21 in points off of miscues.
 
COMING UP
Northeastern State close out its regular season road slate with Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday for a 4 p.m. tipoff.