TAHLEQUAH -- Late-game heroics supercharged Northeastern State to an 88-84 triumph over #1 Washburn in the NSU Event Center Saturday night.

After an easily contested opening 8:16, which saw the game tied at 15, the Ichabods (22-2, 13-2 MIAA) emerged on a 12-4 to take a 27-19 advantage with 8:11 to go in the first half. The RiverHawks (14-10, 8-7 MIAA) battled back to bring the deficit to four (40-36) at the half behind ten first half points from Ethan Blackmon and Trey Phipps and seven assists from Bryson Smith.

The Ichabods were early aggressors in the following period, getting back out to a nine-point lead (54-45) with 14:12 left. WU would be unable to extend the advantage to double digits as NSU powered back with five made field goals, including a pair of Jaxon Jones three-point baskets, over the next 3:50 to take control (62-60) with 10:22 to play. The RiverHawks would hold the lead for a majority of the way, only surrendering the advantage back to Washburn for a combined 44 seconds in the final quarter, never trailing in the last 7:13 of play.

WU trailed by as much as five and narrowed the difference to one with 33 seconds to play, but an Ethan Blackmon layup with a Jaxon Jones assist, followed by a Jones free throw would seal the contest in NSU's favor. The win marks their eight in league play and 14th overall for the campaign. 

The RiverHawks landed on a season-high 65.4% (34-of-52) of their tries in the win, while Trey Phipps added 20 points to pace an NSU offense that saw six individuals reach double figures. Jones added 18 and matched Blackmon with a team-high six rebounds, while Bryson Smith provided a double-double with ten points and 11 assists, in addition to three steals. Keon Edwards tied with Blackmon for third on the team in scoring with 15 points.

NSU concludes their home schedule next week by hosting Northwest Missouri on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Missouri Western on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.