2nd-half struggles cost Riverhawks in California

Azusa, CA – Northeastern State tumbled to a loss in California on Friday, with shooting struggles to begin both halves handing opponent Biola Eagles (Los Angeles) the win, 62-74.

The Riverhawks won the opening tip and gained the first points but found baskets hard to come by thereafter.

“We just needed some shots to fall,” Coach Fala Bullock said after the game. “We like to play with energy, but we came out flat.”

Despite trailing by eight at the end of the first quarter the Riverhawks fought their way back to within two at the half, 30-32.

It was a six-minute scoreless spell to begin the third quarter though that sealed the ‘Hawks fate – their first 12 possessions of the second half producing four turnovers, eight rims but no points.

“Everything just rimmed out,” lamented Coach Bullock. “We got anxious and they scored some quick points on us.”

Indeed it was Biola’s 13-point run during that period that put the game out of reach. Although Northeastern paced them evenly from then on and refound their energy and movement they couldn’t pull that dry spell back, trailing 62-74 at the final buzzer.

Biola’s Tatum Brimley led all scorers with 18 points. Guard Cenia Hayes led the Nighthawks with 13. Cailyn Long, 12, and forward Julia Hill, 10, were the other ‘Hawks players to reach double figures.

Biola shot 44% on the night compared to Northeastern’s 30%.

Despite the loss Coach Bullock was quick to note the positives, “The bench were exceptional. In the moments where we struggled they came in, played hard and gave us back our energy.”

The Riverhawks, now 1-4 on the season, face tournament hosts Azusa Pacific on Saturday afternoon.

The quick turnaround leaves no time to brood. “We’ll get back to the hotel, rest up, and make a plan,“ Coach Bullock added, “We’ll be ready to go again.”

(Image courtesy Steven Christy/NSU)