WARRENSBURG, Mo. (March 2, 2024) – Central Missouri scored the final five points of the game over the last 37 seconds, escaping the UCM Multipurpose Building with a 67-62 win over Northeastern State on Saturday afternoon as both teams closed their basketball seasons.

NSU (11-17, 6-16 MIAA) and Central Missouri (13-15, 8-14) were tied 62-62 after Ethan Blackmon's layup with 1:32 left, but that basket proved to be the last points for the RiverHawks. Jalen Knott's offensive rebound and put-back with 37 seconds left put the Mules ahead 64-62.

NSU turned the ball over with 21 seconds left, forcing the RiverHawks to foul to stop the clock. Keith Kiner split a pair of free throws for Central Missouri with 14 seconds left. Jaxon Jones missed a potential tying 3-point attempt with :04 left and was called for a foul as teammate Trey Quartlebaum corralled the rebound.

Corey Skillman made two free throws with :01 on the clock to seal the win for the Mules, who had lost three of their previous four games against NSU.

Blackmon poured in a career-high 25 points for NSU and added six rebounds. Only five RiverHawks scored – Blackmon, Keon Edwards (15 points), Jones (10 points, 10 rebounds), Quartlebaum (nine points) and Anthony Allen (three points). NSU shot 50 percent from the field (24 of 48) compared to 42.9 percent for Central Missouri (25 of 59).

The difficult ending somewhat overshadowed what had been a tremendous comeback from NSU, which had trailed 25-10 with 7:05 left in the first half but rallied to lead 54-51 with 5:51 left in the game.

Jalen Scott led four Mules in double figures with 20 points. Keith Kiner III added 16 points while Tim Jordan Jr. had 15 points and seven rebounds.