The rivalry doubleheader in Tahlequah is where we direct out attention today.
♦ NSU senior Carrington Fox set the school record for blocks in a game (8) on Jan. 16 and is just 10 shy of the school’s career mark. Her defensive presence is a part of the reason the RiverHawks are giving up only 59.1 ppg, second in the MIAA, 19th in D-II.
♦ The blocks are tougher to come by far from the basket and that’s where UCO does well. The Bronchos are leading the MIAA in three-pointers made (6.9) per game. Haley Weathers, Britney Morgan and Olivia Mason are all putting in at least 1.5 each night.
♦ The MIAA has given out a weekly honor for the Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week 12 times this season. UCO and NSU athletes have taken the honor six of those 12 times. Central’s Josh Gibbs has been tabbed for the honor three times, while Northeastern State’s Bryton Hobbs has been chosen twice and NSU’s Keon Littleton has received the nod as well in 2013-2014.
♦ The matchup also features the league’s leading scorers in Hobbs and Gibbs, at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Hobbs 23.5 points per game is ninth in Division II. Gibbs is putting in 20.7 ppg and leading the MIAA in rebounding, as well with 10.2 boards per contest. Each is trying to get his team a game up in the standings as the teams are tied for the seventh spot in conference play in the final month of the season.
♦ The last time these teams met were in the final games in Jack Dobbins Field House. Tonight will mark the first meeting of this rivalry in the new NSU Event Center.