TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State made big shots in the second half but they couldn't chase down No. 19 ranked Northwest Missouri 78-65 inside the NSU Event Center on Thursday evening.
The RiverHawks (5-7, 0-6 MIAA) had a consistent shooting night making over 50 percent of the buckets in both halves and cutting a 17-point second half deficit down to eight in the final three minutes.
The Bearcats (10-3, 6-1 MIAA) claimed the win behind a 27-of-49 (55.1%) shooting night led by four starters reaching double figures. A +12 NWMSU advantage on converted free throws (19-to-7) and a +14 difference on points off turnovers (19-to-5) also provided problematic areas for Northeastern State in the loss.
NSU saw three record at least 12 points apiece, led by
Jaxon Jones and his 13-point performance. Jones added eight assists with four rebounds.
Anthony Allen and
Caison Hartloff each scored 12 in the setback.
The RiverHawks will be back in action on Saturday to host Missouri Western at 3:30 p.m.
