RiverHawks Battle Midwestern State in LSC Semifinals
BARTLESVILLE, Okla. -- Three weeks ago Northeastern State lost a heartbreaker to Midwestern State 78-76 in the final two seconds of the contest on a free throw in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Friday the RiverHawks have an opportunity to avenge that loss in the semifinal round of the Lone Star Conference Tournament at Bartlesville High School's Bruin Field House. Tip-off for the game is 6 p.m.
The RiverHawks (20-8) the No. 2 seed in the LSC North Division, advanced to semifinals after disposing of Angelo State 66-58, while Midwestern State (26-2) the South Division's No. 1 seed, got past Southwestern State 77-65.
The strength of their team is their guards, and, what they get inside is from their perimenter play," said Northeastern State head coach Larry Gipson. "They have three really, really good guards in Craig Green, Chris Hagan and Anthony Moore.
"They are solid and there's a reason they are 26-2, its because of those three guards. (Craig) Green is a prolific scorer. We are going to have to do a good job on him. Hagan is the engine that makes their team go.
"He's really adept at coming off ball screens and driving the ball into the heart of your defense. We are going to have our hands full. We are going to be challenged at all three spots."
Northeastern State has won 8 of its last 11 games and is arguably one of the hottest teams in the conference and is the only remaining team from the LSC North Division in the men's tournament.
Dominique Gaines, who had a sensational game with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists for his second double-double of the season, led the RiverHawks assault in the win. He was supported by Jason Jones who registered his 12th double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Antoine Branch also scored in double-figure with 14 points.
Fred Rike, head coach at Angelo State, said the Midwestern and Northeastern State clash will be a game of "contrast."
"Midwestern likes to play up temp and run the floor while Northeastern wants a half-court game. Its going to be an interesting game," said Rike.
The Mustangs had four players score in double figures in the win over Southwestern led by Green's 25 points. Chris Hagan and Antony Moore added 14 each and Charlie Logan contributed 11 points.
Concerning the last meeting between the two schools Gipson said, "We aren't afraid of the rematch. Its obvious we went on their home floor and competed very well. Our kids played their hearts out and just came ujp a little short on the scoreboard.
"We had an opportunity to win the game, but we have no body to blame but ourselve. I thought we played well there. This is March and that game is not going to have much to do with this one," said Gipson.
SOUTH CENTRAL RANKINGS
Rankings Released on March 3
1 Central Missouri (21-2). 2, Midwestern State (21-2). 3, Fort Hays State (18-4). 4, Nebraska-Omaha (16-8). 5, Central Oklahoma (21-4). 6, Tarleton State (18-6). 7, Missouri Western State (15-10). 8, Southwest Baptist (17-100. 9, Incarnate Word (17-6). 10, Northeastern State (16-8).
