SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Playing for the second straight day, Northeastern State outscored Missouri State in the second half but fell 92-71 on Sunday in an exhibition for the RiverHawks at Great Southern Bank Arena.

Because the match up counted only for Missouri State, NSU used the afternoon to test its depth and tempo for MIAA play this upcoming week. The RiverHawks trailed 60-33 at halftime but regrouped after the break, shooting 55% in the second half and putting up 38 points to edge the Bears by six over the final 20 minutes.

Ethan Blackmon led NSU with 14 points and six rebounds, scoring efficiently around the rim on 7-of-14 shooting. AJ Reed followed with 12 points, three assists, and three steals, while Xavier Glenn added eight points and a pair of buckets early in the second half that sparked an NSU push. The RiverHawks' bench contributed 26 points, highlighted by five apiece from Dalen Fuller, Pierce Ross, and Sage Wayans.

Despite NSU's improved second-half showing, Missouri State rode a hot start and 24 points from Kobi Williams to maintain control. The Bears shot 52% for the game and hit 11 3-pointers, with Trey Williams Jr. adding 15 points and six assists.

Northeastern State totaled 38 points in the paint and forced 10 turnovers overall, closing the game by holding Missouri State to 32 second-half points after the Bears' explosive opening period.

The RiverHawks return home Tuesday to host Arkansas–Fort Smith in their MIAA opener at 7:30 p.m.