TAHLEQUAH – The Northeastern State women's basketball team ends the month of January by traveling for encounters at Pittsburg State (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.) and Missouri Southern (Saturday, 1:30 p.m.). The RiverHawks are 15-3 overall and 7-2 in MIAA contests.

Through 18 games, Northeastern State ranks fifth in the MIAA in scoring (71.7 points per game) and are fourth in three-point percentage (32%). The RiverHawks pace the conference on turnover margin (4). NSU leads the MIAA and ranks ninth nationally in free throw percentage (79.8%). The RiverHawks are fourth in NCAA Division II women's basketball in free throws made (315) and free throws made per game (17.5).

A Quick Look Back
Northeastern State extended their streak to five victories after triumphs on back-to-back days last week against Emporia State (74-57) and Newman (88-72). The RiverHawks did not allow more than five makes in any of the first three quarters against the Lady Hornets, limiting them to 35.1% (20-of-57) from the field across the night. Northeastern built separation against the Jets in the fourth quarter after holding Newman to 3-of-13 (23.1%) shooting in the final period.

Individually, McKenzie Smith led the team in scoring across the two-game homestand with 31 points on 10-of-16 (62.5%) shooting. Smith also added 14 rebounds over the two wins. Gabrielle Tilley scored 11 in the Thursday victory against ESU before providing a career-high 21 points off the bench in the Friday matchup against NU. Makala Bingley also set a season high against the Jets with 13 points. 

About Pittsburg State
The Gorillas (14-3, 7-1 MIAA) enter the week with three straight wins and a 5-1 record at home. Their lone conference loss was in Joplin on Jan. 6 against Missouri Southern (82-73). Pittsburg State took the initial contest against the RiverHawks earlier in January, emerging on a 20-8 scoring run across the fourth quarter after entering the period trailing by three to earn a 67-58 win.

Pittsburg State ranks third in the MIAA in scoring (73.5 PPG) and first in total rebounding (43.2 RPG). Kaycee McCumber is the top individual rebounder in the association (7.2 RPG), while the team's scoring is centered around the trio of Ja'Miya Brown (13.2 PPG), Marin Adams (12.8 PPG) and Harper Schreiner (12.2 PPG). They combine for 51.9% of Pitt's scoring and 60.4% of their made three-point shots. Schreiner has reached double figures in seven straight games and has 36 points across the team's three-game win streak.

The Series: PSU leads the series, 27-10. The RiverHawks enter in search of their first win against the Gorillas since Jan. 23, 2013 and the conclusion of a losing streak in the series that spans 20 games.

About Missouri Southern
The Lions (13-4, 7-1 MIAA) enter the week as winners of four in a row and all five home games so far. They earned a 60-55 win over Northeastern State on Dec. 21, 2025 in The Nest, limiting NSU to just 30.5% (18-of-59) shooting in the matchup.

Missouri Southern ranks second in the MIAA in scoring (76.6 PPG). They have two of the league's top seven scorers in Grace Frazier (third, 16.3 PPG) and Ashlyn Alloway (seventh, 14.9 PPG). Rebounding has been a true strength, as the Lions are second in total rebounding (42.1 RPG) and first in offensive boards per game (15.8). Alloway is fourth in the conference individually in rebounding (8.3).

The Series: MSSU leads the series, 22-13. The RiverHawks have dropped nine of the last ten to the Lions and aim for their first win against them in Joplin since Jan. 26, 2013.

Up Next
The RiverHawks open February in The Nest against Fort Hays State (Feb. 5, 5:30 p.m.) and Nebraska Kearney (Feb. 7, 1:30 p.m.).