LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Northeastern State couldn't recover from a slow start in an exhibition at Kansas and fell 90-43 inside Allen Fieldhouse on Thursday evening to open the 2026-27 season.
McKenzie Smith led the RiverHawks offensively with 13 points. The former Jayhawk shot 5-of-6 from the field and converted both free-throw attempts.
Kate Datel contributed 12 points off the bench, including two three-pointers.
E'Niyah Holmes led NSU on the boards with six rebounds, while
Reese Shirey recorded three steals.
The RiverHawks finished the contest shooting 29.3% (17-of-58) from the field and 27.8% (5-of-18) from beyond the arc. NSU converted all four free-throw attempts and grabbed 32 rebounds.
The RiverHawks fell behind early in the first quarter, scoring four points before finding more offensive opportunities as the game progressed. NSU added 11 points in the second quarter, with Kansas taking a 54-15 advantage into the halftime break.
Northeastern State continued to compete after the break, adding 11 points in the third quarter. The RiverHawks saved their most productive offensive stretch for the fourth, scoring 17 points on 41.2% shooting (7-of-17). NSU also connected on three three-pointers in the final period as the team looked to build momentum heading into the regular season.
The RiverHawks officially open their season on Friday, Oct. 30, against Tampa in Canyon, Texas, with tipoff set for 6:45 p.m.
