RiverHawks Dismantle Rhema

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. --- Northeastern State rolled over Rhema Bible College 68-33 as 11 RiverHawks scored in the one-side contest at Jack Dobbins Field House Monday night.

The RiverHawks improved to 9-5 for the season as Rhema fell to 3-13. It was the second lowest points allowed by a Northeastern State team in school history. NSU held Vennard College to just  30 points in 2000.

Dominique Gaines led NSU's scoring with 17 points with Antoine Branch scoring 15 as the RiverHawks shot 43 percent from the field (25-of-58) while limiting the Eagles to a 26 percent shooting performance (13-of-50). Carl  Dixon led Rhema's scoring with 9 points.

"This game was a good opportunity this far into  the season to see if these guys would be ready for this type of game and our guys came out ready to play," said Northeastern State head coach Larry Gipson.

"We did an excellent job against their zone. We shot the ball okay, not great, but not bad.  It was enough to develop a big lead and maintain it. This was a situation where a lot of people got to play, so practice should be a little bit better tomorrow (Tuesday) . Nobody played an excessive amount of minutes, so we shouldn't be tired. Just come in a get ready for Cameron."

The RiverHawks open Lone Star Conference North Division play on the road Wednesday in Lawton against the Cameron Aggies. Tip-off is 8 p.m.

The RiverHawks led 35-9 at the intermission as NSU led from the outset steadily increasing its margin to its largest lead of the night 37 points 64-27 with 4:33 remaining in the game.

Gipson was pleased with the defensive effort of his club in just allowing the Eagles 33 points. "I thought our defense was excellent along with our rebounding (NSU held a44-31 advantage on the boards)," said Gipson.  "I felt we did a good job and had very few mistakes on the glass. Those  two things are what you can hang your hat on  just about any game.

"I was glad to see Antoine (Branch)  shoot the ball and Dominque (Gaines) build on what he has been do so far," said Gipson.

Before the game Gipson was honored by the Northeastern State Athletic Department for winning 500 games as a collegiate head coach. Gipson picked up his 500th win on Dec. 19, 2009 against Texas A&M-Kingsville.

Gipson was presented a commutative game ball for the feat by Athletic Director Jeff Konya and a silver tray which was auto graphic by the current team members.

(See related Story on pregame presentation)