TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Nehemiah Weber scored a season-high 21 points, but Northeastern State fell 86–75 to Arkansas-Fort Smith on Tuesday night at the NSU Event Center.

The RiverHawks (5-3, 0-1 MIAA) trailed by eight at halftime but opened the second period with renewed energy. Weber knocked down three of his four three-pointers after the break, helping NSU pull even at 45-45 with 17:14 remaining. Xavier Glenn added a jumper moments later, giving Northeastern State its first lead of the half.

However, Arkansas-Fort Smith (6-0, 1-0 MIAA) responded with a decisive run behind steady shooting and 18 points from Kameron Johnson. The Lions outscored NSU 43-40 in the second half and shot 52.6 percent from the field for the night.

Glenn finished with 15 points and four assists for the RiverHawks, while Taven Washington scored 11 and Ethan Blackmon chipped in nine points and seven rebounds. Northeastern State shot an efficient 50 percent from the field and assisted on 18 of its 26 made baskets, but the RiverHawks were hampered by 18 turnovers that led to 26 points for the Lions.

Weber's 21-point effort marked his best output of the season, fueled by a 7-for-12 shooting night that included four made threes. He also grabbed four rebounds and logged a team-high 31 minutes.

Arkansas-Fort Smith controlled the game early, building a 14-3 lead before Weber and Glenn helped the RiverHawks settle in offensively. NSU closed the first half with a 14-5 run to pull within 43-35 at the break.

Northeastern State will return to action Thursday on the road at Newman. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.