RiverHawks run out of steam, fall to UA-Fort Smith on road

FORT SMITH, Ark. – Northeastern State fought hard for three quarters Wednesday evening but ran out of steam late on, falling 62-75 at non-conference opponent UA-Fort Smith.

Having trailed the Lions through the first half the RiverHawks had battled back to take the lead. But an eight-minute dry spell late in the third quarter spurred a Lions run of 19 straight points to put the game beyond reach.

Behind from the opening tip Northeastern State slowly grew into the game and had begun to show their trademark action offense, fast transitions and swarming defense. Shooting perfect from the line (10 of 10), they reached the half down just two, 35-37.

The ‘Hawks are in the midst of a seven-week road trip though and were playing their third tough game in just five days. And as with last week’s loss to Biola in California, road woes caught the team late on.

Despite leading 55-53 with 3:07 left in the third quarter, the team would add just seven points in the final 13 minutes to trail 62-75 when the final buzzer sounded.

Northeastern State now stands 2-5 overall. UA-Fort Smith improved to 2-6.

Cailyn Long led the RiverHawks with 16 points, Bailee Eldred added 12 with Cenia Hayes and Joi Bertrand both contributing eight.

Maegan Lee led the team with four assists, Eldred pulled down eight rebounds, and Bertrand matched her career high with four blocks. The team continues to shine at the line, hitting 14 of 16 free-throws for an 87% mark on the night, 78% for the season.

Attendance for the game was 602.

Northeastern State opens conference play at Pittsburg State next Wednesday. They remain on the road through the end of December, their next home game bringing Bacone College to Tahlequah on December 30th.

(Image courtesy Heartland Sports)