NSU Sports
Don Vieth, Director of Athletics Communications
TAHLEQUAH – Jamir Andrews hit back-to-back three-pointers in the final 12 seconds to force overtime on Thursday evening at the NSU Event Center. Despite the late heroics, the RiverHawks (7-16, 3-11 MIAA) fell 98-89 in a gut wrenching heartbreaker to Fort Hays State (14-9, 7-7 MIAA) that needed two extra overtime period to decide.
Andrews finished the night with 24 points half of which came at the end of regulation and in overtime. Lucas Antunez and Tanner Mouse both had 17 points off of the bench, and Montre’ Williams had 14 against the Tigers who snapped a four game road losing skid.
Northeastern State did have a shot to win the contest in the first overtime period after Gordon Hill grabbed a key rebound with six seconds remaining tied at 84. The clock would end up sitting a three seconds following a NSU timeout but they would need to get the ball two-thirds down the court to win. The RiverHawks got the inbound pass but they wouldn’t be able to get off a shot in time.
In the second overtime period, the Tigers opened with five unanswered points and never gave up the lead. The RiverHawks finished 1-for-10 from the field in the final five minutes.
Despite all the excitement, Northeastern State only led for eight minutes and the game didn’t turn around for them until midway through the second half. NSU used a 28-10 run were they were a blazing 11-for-13 from the field, Williams would have 12 points during that time span. A 12-point Tigers lead evaporated and following a Mouse three pointer with 7:21 remaining, the RiverHawks were up 60-54.
The tide turned on NSU and the Tigers knocked down three big triples to retake a 69-64 lead. Trent Cantrell lifted NSU back in with 49-seconds remaining with a three, and then the two treys from Andrews forced extra time on Thursday.
Mouse led the RiverHawks with six rebounds and as a team they trailed Fort Hays State 58-to-38.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
8 – Jamir Andrews has eight games this season with over 20 points scored.
11 – Montre’ Williams‘ magic number to 1,000 is down to 11 points.
112 – Northeastern State has not had a double-overtime game since Feb. 6, 2014 against Central Oklahoma inside the NSU Event Center, 112 games ago.
COMING UP
Northeastern State will welcome the Lopers of Nebraska-Kearney next on Feb. 10 for a 3:30 p.m. tip-off.