TAHLEQUAH -- A tough second quarter put Northeastern State in a hole it couldn't climb out of, as the RiverHawks fell 62-52 to Washburn on Saturday night at the NSU Event Center.

The RiverHawks (10-14, 6-9 MIAA) struggled offensively in the first half, managing just seven points in the second quarter as Washburn (14-11, 8-7 MIAA) built a 31-19 halftime lead. Despite a strong fourth-quarter effort, NSU couldn't close the gap against a disciplined Ichabods squad.

Annaston Brown and Alex Hill led the RiverHawks with 14 points apiece, with Brown hitting four three-pointers. Hill added four rebounds and three steals, but NSU shot just 29.6% (16-of-54) from the field and committed 18 turnovers.

Deyanna Douglas contributed eight points, while Courtney Lee grabbed a team-high nine rebounds. The RiverHawks finished with a 39-36 rebounding disadvantage but held a 21-16 edge in bench points.

Washburn controlled the paint, scoring 36 points inside and taking advantage of NSU's miscues, converting 16 points off turnovers. The Ichabods were led by Yiibari Nwidadah, who dominated with 23 points and 16 rebounds, shooting 10-of-12 from the field. Payton Sterk added 10 points, while Madelyn Amekporfor chipped in seven points and six rebounds.

NSU found momentum in the fourth quarter, outscoring Washburn 19-16, but it wasn't enough to overcome the early struggles. The RiverHawks will look to bounce back on Thursday when they host Northwest Missouri at the NSU Event Center.