TAHLEQUAH (Feb. 25, 2023) – Northeastern State entered the week on a seven-game losing streak, but a late flourish by the RiverHawks has earned them a spot in the postseason.

Needing a win Saturday afternoon over an equally desperate Central Missouri squad to ensure a berth in the MIAA postseason men's basketball tournament, the RiverHawks delivered in decisive fashion, routing the Mules 86-47 at the NSU Events Center.

NSU (12-14, 9-13 MIAA) will take a two-game winning streak into next week's conference tournament in Kansas City, Mo. Pairings and game times will be announced later by the MIAA office.

NSU-Central Missouri essentially was a play-in game for the MIAA tournament and Dillon Bailey set a powerful tone for the RiverHawks by making three 3-pointers during a game-opening 13-0 run. Just 8½ minutes in, NSU led 29-3 and essentially was headed to Kansas City.

The RiverHawks were up 43-14 at halftime and Central Missouri (11-17, 7-15) never challenged in the second half.

Bailey poured in 28 points on 7-of-11 shooting, hitting 6 of 9 3-point attempts and all eight of his free throws. Christian Cook added 16 points and Tylor Arnold had 14 points and eight rebounds for NSU. Ryan Gendron and Rashad Perkins scored 11 points each, giving the RiverHawks five double-figure scorers.

NSU shot 51.9 percent (27 of 52) from the field and committed only eight turnovers. The RiverHawks also clamped down defensive, as no Central Missouri player scored in double figures. Garrett Luinstra led the Mules with nine points.