MARYVILLE, Mo. -- Harry Neilson recorded a career-high 17 points and his third double-double of the season, but Northeastern State fell 87-80 to Northwest Missouri State on Thursday night at Bearcat Arena .

Neilson, a freshman, added 12 rebounds while shooting 6-of-8 from the field and 4-of-5 at the free-throw line. He capped his night with a 3-pointer in the final seconds.

The RiverHawks (12-13, 5-11 MIAA) placed all five starters in double figures. Nehemiah Weber scored 16 points, AJ Reed Jr. and Xavier Glenn each added 14, and Taven Washington finished with 10.

NSU shot 49.2 percent (30-of-61) from the field and 45.5 percent (10-of-22) from 3-point range, holding a slight shooting edge over the Bearcats, who shot 48.3 percent overall . The RiverHawks also outscored Northwest Missouri State 34-30 in the paint.

Northwest Missouri State (13-14, 6-10) led 43-35 at halftime before NSU battled back in the second half. The RiverHawks briefly took a 50-49 lead with 13:31 remaining and later tied the game at 65 with 6:46 to play.

Royce Williams led the Bearcats with 25 points, while Robert Garcia added 24.

NSU trimmed the deficit to six in the final minute, but Northwest Missouri State converted free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

Northeastern State will play its final regular-season road game Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Missouri Western.