TAHLEQUAH – The Northeastern State women's basketball team opens the New Year at home in The Nest on Saturday, hosting MIAA foe No. 13 Pittsburg State at 1:30 p.m. Saturday's matchup will be NSU's lone home contest over the next two weeks, as the RiverHawks enter the game with a 10-2 overall record and a 2-1 mark in MIAA play.

Just 12 games into the season, NSU is one win away from matching last year's total and is off to its best start in 13 years. McKenzie Smith leads the RiverHawks with 14.1 points per game while also averaging 5.9 rebounds. Gracy Shieldnight recorded the first double-double of her career on Wednesday at UT Dallas, posting 14 rebounds and 10 points. Her rebound total marked NSU's highest in more than a season.

A Quick Look Back
Northeastern State closed its non-conference schedule with a 66-60 victory over UT Dallas on Wednesday, marking the first meeting between the two programs.

The RiverHawks used a strong third quarter to create separation, outscoring the Comets 21-17 coming out of halftime to turn a one-point game at the break into a workable margin. NSU carried a four-point lead into the final period and made key defensive plays down the stretch to secure the win.

McKenzie Smith led Northeastern State with 18 points, while Gabrielle Tilley added 13.

About Pittsburg State
The Gorillas (10-2, 4-1 MIAA) arrive in Tahlequah riding a four-game winning streak after earning a 79-56 victory over UA-Fort Smith on New Year's Day. Pittsburg State never trailed in the contest, shooting .446 from the field, with Harper Schreiner leading the way with 18 points and nine rebounds.

Ja'Miya Brown leads Pitt State with 14.6 points per game. The junior scored 36 points in an overtime win over Western Colorado just before the Christmas break. She faced NSU twice last season but played limited minutes.

The Series: Pittsburg State leads the all-time series 26-10 and has won the last 19 meetings between the two programs.

Up Next
The RiverHawks will travel to Central Oklahoma on Jan. 7, as MIAA play continues through the remainder of the regular season.