TOPEKA, Kan. -- Northeastern State dropped a 72-64 decision at Washburn on Saturday afternoon at Lee Arena after the Ichabods used a late surge to pull away.

NSU fell to 16-8 overall and 8-7 in MIAA play, while Washburn improved to 17-7 and 10-5 in the conference standings.

The RiverHawks led 36-33 at halftime and were locked in a tight battle throughout, with 22 lead changes and 12 ties. Neither team led by more than five points until the final minutes.

Trailing 50-49 entering the fourth quarter, Northeastern State kept the contest within one possession midway through the period. With the score tied at 61, Washburn put together a 13-3 run over the final four minutes to create separation and secure the win.  The RiverHawks shot 1-for-7 in the final minutes and 35 percent in the fourth. 

Kori Rainwater and Deyanna Douglas each scored 15 points to lead the RiverHawks. McKenzie Smith added 14 points, shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, while Reese Shirey contributed seven points and six rebounds.

NSU shot 42.6 percent (23-of-54) from the field and 81.3 percent (13-of-16) at the free-throw line. Washburn held a 40-24 advantage in points in the paint and outscored the RiverHawks 22-15 in the fourth quarter.

Northeastern State returns to action Thursday, Feb. 19, traveling to Northwest Missouri for an MIAA contest at 5:30 p.m.