TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State put up a strong fight but couldn't keep pace with Northwest Missouri State down the stretch, falling 81-74 on Thursday night at the NSU Event Center.

The RiverHawks (14-11, 8-8 MIAA) shot 43.9% from the field and knocked down 10 three-pointers, but the Bearcats (5-20, 3-13 MIAA) controlled the paint and capitalized on second-chance opportunities to secure the win.

Trey Phipps led NSU with 26 points, hitting four three-pointers and dishing out five assists. Ethan Blackmon followed with 21 points on 10-of-17 shooting, while Keon Edwards added nine points and six assists.

Northwest Missouri State relied on a balanced scoring effort, with Jack Ratigan leading the way with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Byron Alexander added 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Ja'Vion Byers and Luke Moustakas each chipped in 14 points.

The game was tight throughout, with 13 ties and 11 lead changes. At halftime, Northeastern State trailed 42-41 but struggled to slow down Northwest Missouri State in the second half. The Bearcats outscored NSU 39-33 in the final 20 minutes, fueled by a dominant inside presence that resulted in 48 points in the paint.

Despite forcing nine turnovers and scoring 14 points off them, NSU couldn't match the Bearcats' rebounding effort, getting outrebounded 43-32.

Northeastern State will look to bounce back on Saturday when it hosts Missouri Western at the NSU Event Center.