KEARNEY, Neb. -- Northeastern State battled to the wire but came up just short in a 98-96 overtime loss to Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday at the Health & Sports Center.

The RiverHawks (13-9, 7-6 MIAA) shot a scorching 55.6% from the field and 53.8% from three-point range but couldn't hold off a resilient Lopers squad in the extra frame. Nebraska-Kearney (8-13, 6-7 MIAA) used a balanced attack and key free throws late to secure the win.

Ethan Blackmon led NSU with a career-high 30 points on 11-of-15 shooting, adding six rebounds and four assists. Trey Phipps followed with 29 points, knocking down four three-pointers. Bryson Smith chipped in 15 points and seven assists, while Jaxon Jones and Taven Washington each contributed 10 points.

The RiverHawks controlled much of the first half, leading by as many as nine points, and took a 48-43 advantage into the break. The game remained tight in the second half, with neither team able to create significant separation.  With the Lopers going scoreless for nearly two minutes, Northeastern State pulled away taking an 87-84 lead in the closing seconds.  However, Chase Thompson with four seconds left forced overtime with a three-pointer.

In the extra period, the Lopers took the early lead and NSU had to play catch-up the rest of the way.  Northeastern State went over three minutes in between made baskets and a three-pointer from DJ Jamerson with 1:24 left would be enough to hold off the RiverHawks

UNK shot 44% from the field and 39.4% from deep, with Allen Taylor (27 points), Ja'Bryant Hill (20 points), and Kendrick Gilbert (18 points) leading the charge. The Lopers also won the rebounding battle 37-30 and scored 19 points off NSU's 15 turnovers.

Northeastern State returns home Thursday to take on Central Missouri at the NSU Event Center.