WARRENSBURG, Mo. – A second-half effort wasn't enough to lift Northeastern State past Central Missouri on Thursday, as the RiverHawks fell 61-51 in a road MIAA contest.

McKenzie Smith paced NSU (16-7, 8-6 MIAA) with 13 points and five rebounds, continuing her consistent production on both ends of the floor. Reese Shirey sparked the RiverHawks in the second half with 10 points, going 2-for-2 from three-point range and from the free throw line.

Despite trailing by eight at halftime, Northeastern State clawed back within four midway through the third quarter before Central Missouri responded with a key run near the end of the stanza to stay in control.

The RiverHawks were efficient from the line, going a perfect 6-for-6, and got 22 points from the bench, including seven from Annaston Brown and five from Kori Rainwater. Defensively, NSU held the Jennies to just 36.7 percent shooting from the field and 18.5 percent from long range.

Turnovers proved to be a factor, as NSU committed 14, leading to eight UCM points. The RiverHawks also struggled to gain second-chance opportunities, getting out-rebounded 41-29.

Northeastern State returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 14, for a key road test at Washburn. Tip-off from Lee Arena is scheduled for 1 p.m.