RiverHawks Clinch Tournament Berth
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Northeastern State had four players score in double figures and fought off an inspired East Central squad to escape with a 75-71 Lone Star Conference North Division victory Saturday at Jack Dobbins Field House.
The victory clinched the RiverHawks a berth in the Lone Star Conference Tournament in March as Northeastern State improved to 17-7 overall and 8-1 in division play. It was a sweep for NSU over East Central this season, as the RiverHawks took the first game 79-67.
ECU head coach Terry Shannon announced before the game that he was stepping down after the season.
Marlon Burnett led the Northeastern State scoring with 20 points as he drained four free throws in the final 1:14 of play to help secure the victory. Burnett was 9-of-10 from the line. The RiverHawks finished 15-of-25 at the stripe and hit 11-of-14 down the stretch.
"It was a tough gritty win," said Northeastern State head coach Larry Gipson. "We came into a situation where we are tired, playing essentially 61/2 people. We just have to find a way for our bench to pick it up.
"We're a little beat-up right now. But we'll take the win at this point of the season. But give our kids credit they made plays down the stretch," said Gipson.
Dominique Gaines and Jason Jones each scored 15 points. Jones also pulled down 13 rebounds for his 8th double-double of the season. Antoine Branch added 10 points as the RiverHawks shot 43 percent from the field (26-60).
Northeastern State held the Tigers to 33 percent from the floor (23-of-69) with Terrance Hill leading the ECU scoring with 19 points. Eric Allen and Justin Prothro scored 14 each.
East Central led 36-34 at the half before NSU went on a 17-6 run to take a 51-42 lead. It then became a back-and forth contest. The Tigers and RiverHawks were deadlocked at 67-all with 2:08 remaining.
ECU's Hill scored for a 68-67 Tiger lead, before Burnett sank two free throws giving NSU a one-point advantage with 1:14 left. ECU regained the lead on a pair of free throws by Wayne Andrews with 55 seconds showing on the clock.
Gaines drove the lane to score and was fouled but missed the free throw for a 71-70 RiverHawks lead. ECU tied it again on a Denarius Darby free throw as he converted 1-of2 attempts.
Burnett then gave NSU the lead for good with 25 seconds left draining two free throws and Branch secured the win with two more with 16 seconds remaining.
