CLAREMORE --  Annaston Brown poured in a career-high 21 points to lead Northeastern State to a dominant 86-44 win over Rogers State on Saturday afternoon, as the RiverHawks cruised to their largest victory ever over the Hillcats and surpassed last season's win total in the process.

Northeastern State (12-3, 4-2 MIAA) left little doubt from the opening tip, racing to a 15-2 first-quarter lead and holding Rogers State (6-9, 3-3) to single digits until the final minute of the second period. The Hillcats' 42-point defeat marks their worst home loss since Feb. 13, 2020, when Emporia State handed them a 62-point drubbing.

Brown shot a red-hot 9-for-11 from the field, added seven rebounds and two steals, and was one of five RiverHawks to score at least nine points. Kori Rainwater chipped in 10 points and four rebounds off the bench as NSU's second unit racked up 48 points.

The RiverHawks shot 57.7% from the floor and turned 17 Hillcat turnovers into 24 points. They never trailed, controlled the paint (32-14), and dominated fast-break opportunities 19-6. NSU led by as many as 44 in the fourth quarter before emptying the bench.

Rogers State's Ataya Casaus led the hosts with 12 points, but the Hillcats struggled mightily early, scoring just two points in the first quarter and trailing 38-11 at halftime.

With the win, Northeastern State eclipses its 2024-25 season win total and continues its ascent in the MIAA standings.

The RiverHawks will look to keep the momentum rolling when they travel to Arkansas-Fort Smith on Friday for a 5:30 p.m. tip, aiming to complete a season sweep of the Lions.