by TAHLEQUAH, OK — Northeastern State looked to close out 2017 on a winning note, but the Lady Bison came into the NSU Event Center and left with 70-60 victory here Saturday afternoon.
The loss drops the RiverHawks to 6-5, while Oklahoma Baptist moves to 6-4.
Cenia Hayes (Cherokee Nation) and Joi Bertrand led the RiverHawks scoring attack, both finishing in double figures with 18 and 14 points respectively.
A cold afternoon outside translated into a cold shooting performance inside for both teams in the first half. NSU put up a dismal 7-34 from the field, while OBU was not far behind hitting 11-35 in the opening half. The RiverHawks had a sizable advantage at the charity stripe hitting 11-17 but could not take advantage trailing 27-26 at the break.
Both teams seemed to find their rhythm in the third, Bertrand gave the RiverHawks its first lead of the game 33-32 after hitting one of two from the line. But the Lady Bison reeled off a 10-4 run to lead 45-39.
Tree Brooks and Hayes ignited the RiverHawks offense in the fourth, outscoring the Lady Bison 12-3 to open the final frame and lead 51-48 with 5:41 left.
The lead would change hands eight times in the final stanza before OBU’s McKenzie Cooper nailed a three pointer to put the Lady Bison up 64-60 with 28 seconds left. OBU hit free throws down the stretch to collect the 70-60 victory.
