FORT SMITH, Ark. — Courtney Lee delivered a career performance, but Northeastern State fell 72–64 to Arkansas-Fort Smith in a tightly contested Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) matchup Tuesday night at the Stubblefield Center.

Lee led all scorers with 23 points, adding eight rebounds and two steals to keep the RiverHawks (4-4, 0-1 MIAA) in the game until the final moments.  Northeastern State's defense forced 24 turnovers, turning them into 23 points and keeping the Lions off balance throughout.

The game started on a high note for the RiverHawks, who claimed an 18–17 lead after the first quarter behind strong play from Lee and Alex Hill. Hill finished with 11 points, including several key baskets to keep Northeastern State close in the opening half.

Arkansas-Fort Smith (7-2, 1-0 MIAA) leaned on its balanced attack to regain momentum in the second quarter. Morgan Browning scored 18 points for the Lions, while Anna Trusty added 14.  A layup in the final seconds put the game at 37-37 into the half with the RiverHawks landing four of their six treys in the second stanza. 

The RiverHawks kept the contest within one possession into the fourth quarter where a 10-0 run by the Lions during a three-minute scoreless drought ultimately proved to be fatal for NSU on the road. 

NSU, now .500 on the season, will look to bounce back in their next game on Thursday as they continue MIAA play hosting Newman at 7:30 p.m.