TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Northeastern State stayed unbeaten Tuesday night, riding a strong first half and a dominant effort on the glass to a 74–58 win over Ouachita Baptist at the NSU Event Center.

The RiverHawks (3-0) used a 23-point second quarter to create needed separation, and building a 40-15 halftime lead. Northeastern State controlled the boards throughout, finishing with a 55–33 rebounding advantage, including 16 offensive rebounds.

McKenzie Smith led NSU with 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, adding four rebounds. Annaston Brown and Deyanna Douglas each added 13 points, with Douglas matching a team high of eight rebounds and swiping three steals. Reese Shirey added 10 points and eight rebounds, while Gabrielle Tilley chipped in six points and five assists.

Northeastern State's defensive pressure forced 15 turnovers and held the Tigers to 30 percent shooting from the field (17 of 56). The RiverHawks scored 22 points off turnovers and 32 in the paint.

Ouachita Baptist (0-1) was led by Madeleine Tipton's 16 points, while Heidi Robinson added nine points and Samantha Watson chipped in six. The Tigers found offensive rhythm late, scoring 23 points in the fourth quarter, but the surge wasn't enough to overcome NSU's earlier control.

Northeastern State never trailed after midway through the first quarter and led by as many as 25 in the third. Brown knocked down three 3-pointers, and the NSU bench outscored OBU's reserves 27–22.

The win continues NSU's strong start under a balanced attack that saw 14 players log minutes. The RiverHawks finished 25 of 67 from the field and 18 of 22 at the free-throw line.

Northeastern State heads to Topeka, Kansas, next for a neutral-site matchup with MSU Denver.