TAHLEQUAH -- Northeastern State battled early but couldn't keep pace with No. 6 Pittsburg State, falling 80-62 in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association action Thursday night at the NSU Event Center.

The RiverHawks (9-10, 5-5 MIAA) stayed competitive through the first quarter, trailing just 15-13, but the Gorillas (18-2, 10-0 MIAA) caught fire in the second, using a 28-point surge to take a commanding 43-31 halftime lead.

Alex Hill led Northeastern State with 20 points, including a 7-of-8 performance from the free-throw line, while Courtney Lee added 13 points and a team-high nine rebounds. The RiverHawks found success inside, scoring 30 points in the paint, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 4-of-11 three-pointers.

Pittsburg State was led by Macie Mays, who finished with 18 points, while Grace Pyle contributed 17. The Gorillas shot 49% from the field and knocked down nine three-pointers, using their outside shooting to maintain control throughout the game.

Northeastern State showed life in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits behind defensive stops and transition baskets. However, Pittsburg State responded with a dominant fourth quarter, outscoring the RiverHawks 23-13 to put the game away.

The RiverHawks won the battle in blocked shots (8-1) with Emily Weathers having three, Annaston Brown placed NSU off the bench with nine points.

NSU will look to bounce back as they continue MIAA play against Missouri Southern on Saturday.