Northeastern State was 7-6 early in February and was fighting for one of the top four spots in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, which would mean a first round bye in the league postseason tournament.
But a six-game losing skid to end the regular season knocked NSU out of not only the bye, but the opportunity to host its opening game. Instead, the RiverHawks (10-16, 7-12) will travel to Maryville, Mo., as the No. 9 seed to face eighth seeded Northwest Missouri State (10-16, 7-12) tonight at 7 p.m..
The Bearcats had the tiebreaker with a 57-51 overtime victory over the RiverHawks on Jan. 13.
Central also made the 12-team MIAA tournament field, but go into the postseason struggling somewhat also.
The Bronchos defeated Nebraska-Kearney on Jan. 18, but have lost nine of ten to close out the regular season.
Central (11-15, 6-13) takes on Lindenwood (14-12, 9-10) in St. Charles, Mo., tonight at 7 p.m.