TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State is back at the NSU Event Center for a pair of MIAA rivalry dates with Central Oklahoma (Thursday, Jan. 9 at 5:30 p.m.) and Rogers State (Saturday, Jan. 11 at 1:30 p.m.).

A live broadcast feed will be available for both games on The MIAA Network (PPV). The games can also be listened to live on Lakes Country 102.1 with Orry Phillips on the call. 

A quick look back 

The RiverHawks (5-8, 1-3 MIAA) fell to Pittsburg State last Saturday at John Lance Arena in an 88-56 decision, receiving their fourth straight loss and their most lopsided MIAA defeat during the Ferguson era. Deyanna Douglas scored a season-best 15 points in the contest, while Courtney Lee reached double figures for a second straight game with a ten-point performance.

Last Saturday, the NSU defense surrendered makes on 56.4% (31-of-55) Pittsburg State tries from the floor, the highest field goal percentage surrendered across the Ferguson era and since Jan. 20, 2022. It marked the third straight game that saw an efficiency rate of 50% or more from the opposition and the fourth such occasion this season. Across the Ferguson era, the RiverHawks are 0-7 when opponents make at least half of their field goal attempts.

About Central Oklahoma (4-9, 3-1 MIAA)

The Emma Andrews-led squad have picked up wins in three of four MIAA contests, most recently against Newman (80-56) on Jan. 4. All three league wins have been in Edmond, as the Bronchos sit at just 1-6 in away and neutral matchups.

Korie Allensworth is one of four UCO individuals averaging double figures in scoring, pacing the way with 13.4 points per game and adding 5.8 rebounds per night on the glass-cleaning unit. Her rebounding total sits second on the team behind Jordyn Turner (8.5 RPG), who is third in the MIAA in that category.

The Bronchos are 12th in the MIAA in both points for (63.5) and points allowed (71.7) per game, while their opposing field goal percentage (43.4%) is the highest in the conference. 

The Series

Across the series, NSU holds a 34-32 record against UCO, earning wins in three of their last four. Last season marked the first time since the 2015-16 campaign where the RiverHawks swept UCO on the regular season, earning a 67-59 win in Edmond and a 73-57 triumph in Tahlequah.

About Rogers State (7-6, 1-3 MIAA)

The Hillcats have dropped three of four in league action, though they enter the week on a win over Newman (51-39) from Jan. 2. In season two under Heather Davis, the Hillcats approach the halfway point of the campaign with notable decisions over Henderson State (Nov. 30, 73-68 OT), East Central (Nov. 20, 61-51) and Oklahoma Baptist (Nov. 8, 62-48). 

The RSU defense is in the MIAA's top three in points allowed (55.3) per game, while the offense is 11th in average points for (65.7). The offense is led individually by Ella Hafer (12.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG), who is second in the MIAA in rebounding.

The Series

NSU is 8-7 all-time against the Hillcats, splitting last season's series. Offensively, the RiverHawks struggled to just 105 points across last season's two contests against RSU, shooting a combined 34-of-108 (31.5%) from the floor.

Up Next

The RiverHawks stay home for one more contest next week against Arkansas-Fort Smith on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5:30.