TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State had four in double-figures, but they were upended late by Missouri Southern 72-71.
The setback is the third consecutive for the RiverHawks, who slip to 8-8 overall (3-7 MIAA).
Despite being out-shot and out-rebounded, Missouri Southern left with the win leading for just 1:01. Turnovers plagued NSU throughout the night but proved to be even more costly in the final five minutes, where Southern forced three.
The dagger turned out to be NSU's 15th miscue on the night with 37 seconds remaining that led to the eventual game-winning basket.
Southern recorded 13 steals on NSU's offense and out-scored them 16-to-6 on turnovers.
Emeka Obukwelu had a game-high 20 points and turned in his second consecutive double-double with ten rebounds.
Dillon Bailey scored 13, and
Christian Cook added 11.
Ryan Gendron turned in a career-high ten points and six rebounds off the NSU bench.
The RiverHawks shot 54.5-percent (30-55) and had 32 rebounds, six more than Missouri Southern.
Lawson Jenkins paced the Lions (8-4, 5-1 MIAA) off the bench with 19 points.
Northeastern State remains at home and will host Rogers State on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
