TAHLEQUAH -- Northeastern State stayed within striking distance for three quarters but faltered down the stretch, falling 70-59 to Central Missouri on Thursday night at the NSU Event Center.

The RiverHawks (10-13, 6-8 MIAA) trailed by just three points entering the fourth quarter but were outscored 22-14 in the final 10 minutes as the Jennies (14-11, 6-8 MIAA) pulled away. Central Missouri's late-game defense stifled NSU, forcing tough shots and limiting second-chance opportunities.

Courtney Lee led Northeastern State with 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Annaston Brown provided a spark off the bench, knocking down four three-pointers to finish with 12 points. However, the RiverHawks struggled to find offensive rhythm in the fourth, shooting just 4-of-14 from the field while committing key turnovers.

"We didn't play very well, didn't finish opportunities, took some bad shots, and took us out of it," said head coach Keith Ferguson.  "We played hard and out-rebounded them [Central Missouri], forced some turnovers, and made them play at a different pace."

Trailing 48-45 at the start of the final quarter, NSU kept it close in the opening minutes, tying the game at 52-52 after a pair of free throws from Alex Hill. But Central Missouri responded with a decisive 10-2 run, fueled by back-to-back layups from Cierra Smith and a three-pointer from Allie Clevenger.

Clevenger paced UCM with 16 points, while Smith, Lauren Frost, and Reese Schaaf each added 12. The Jennies shot an efficient 51% (25-of-49) from the field and held a crucial 18-15 edge in points off turnovers.

Despite winning the rebounding battle 39-33 and grabbing 17 offensive boards, the RiverHawks couldn't convert enough second-chance opportunities to stay within reach.

Northeastern State looks to bounce back Saturday when it hosts Washburn at the NSU Event Center.