TAHLEQUAH — Northeastern State women's basketball takes the court at the NSU Event Center on Monday afternoon to face Bethany at 1 p.m.

The contest marks the Kids Game at The Nest, which will feature students from local schools across Tahlequah in attendance.

Looking Back
Northeastern State (8-1) opened MIAA play with victories over Arkansas-Fort Smith (71-49) and Newman (74-49) to cap off the program's best nine-game start since 2010. Defense was a guiding role in the wins, which saw the RiverHawks hold the Lions and Jets to a combined 29.5% shooting clip (31-of-105).

Across both games, NSU also held a significant advantage on assisted makes (+21). Reese Shirey led the team with nine assists during that span. McKenzie Smith has been one of the top targets in the passing lanes, entering Monday with seven straight games in double figures.

About Bethany
The Swedes are 5-5 overall and face Southwestern on the road this Saturday before traveling to Tahlequah. Sarah Able is in her third season as head women's basketball coach after succeeding Keith Ferguson in May 2023. Able's time at Bethany also includes two seasons as an assistant under Ferguson and time spent as a player, serving as a two-year captain.

Becca Unruh (15.1 points per game), Janae Black-Harmon (13.2 PPG, 61.6% FG) and Colbi Rignell (12.7 PPG, 79.2% FT) lead the Bethany offense. Black-Harmon has also been a consistent presence on the glass, averaging 9.8 rebounds per game, including 3.6 per contest on the offensive end.

Series History: Monday marks the first meeting between the teams.

Looking Forward
NSU's MIAA finale for the calendar year occurs at the NSU Event Center on Sunday, Dec. 21 against Missouri Southern (2 p.m.).