TAHLEQUAH -- Northeastern State clinched a spot in the 2026 MIAA Tournament with a 69-66 win over Central Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon inside the NSU Event Center.

With the victory, the RiverHawks improved to 17-11 overall and 9-10 in MIAA play, while the Bronchos fell to 9-18 and 4-14 in league action. The win secured NSU's berth in next week's conference tournament in Kansas City and will face Emporia State on March 4 at 12 p.m.

Saturday's result also completed a season sweep of UCO and marked the sixth consecutive win over the Bronchos for Northeastern State.

NSU erased a two-point deficit after the opening quarter and carried a 27-25 lead into halftime. The RiverHawks extended their advantage in the third period, outscoring UCO 24-21 to take a 51-46 edge into the final 10 minutes.

The Bronchos made a late push behind a game-high 20 points from Jerney Bennett, but Northeastern State held on down the stretch to secure the three-point victory.

NSU shot 39.3 percent (22-of-56) from the field and trailed 41-33 on the boards. The RiverHawks also received a boost from their bench, which accounted for 32 points in the contest.  

Gracy Shieldnight led a balanced Northeastern State attack with 13 points and added four steals.  Gabrielle Tilley landed 12 points, and Deyanna Douglas chipped in nine points.