RiverHawk Rout

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (Feb. 18) --- Northeastern State's four-game losing skid came to a screeching halt in Dobbins Field House Wednesday night.

Behind freshman Kendra Dean's double-double and four other players scoring in double figures, the RiverHawks coasted past Cameron, 93-49, in a women's Lone Star Conference North game. Dean, from Fort Gibson, poured through 19 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and dished out six assists to lead Northeastern State (14-10 overall/6-5 LSC North) in each of those categories. It was Dean's second double-double in her brief career.

In the absence of sophomore post Jasmine Webb, who is out indefinitely with an injury, Dean drew praise from her coach following the blowout.

"In just the last week or so I have seen some really good signs of Kendra playing like that," said head coach Randy Gipson. "I thought she broke out tonight and hopefully we can keep that going."

The RiverHawks started early and never let up on the Aggies (6-18 and 1-10). Northeastern State trailed only once, 1-0, before reeling off the next 17 points of the contest to lead 17-1. Dean and Alix Perkins scored 11 and 12 points, respectively, in the frame to put their squad comfortably in front 51-23 at intermission.

"I think our kids came out and played with intensity, hit the boards, made some shots," said Gipson. "I thought it was an excellent job on both ends of the floor the way we executed our game plan."

The lead ballooned to as many as 37 points, 62-25, with an 11-2 spurt to begin the second half and from there the RiverHawks coasted to the the 44-point cushion. Northeastern State also contolled the boards, outrebounding the Aggies 44-22 and only allowed six offensive caroms.

"That's maybe the single stat I am most pleased with," said Gipson. "We worked hard to block out and we covered the boards well."

Northeastern State kept its playoff hopes alive with the victory and Gipson said the win definitely helped his team's cause.

"We've been in a terrible slump," he said, "and it has been a rough stretch. I just glad to see our players break out and I believe they really wanted to get back on the right track and finish strong. Tonight was a great sign."

In addition to Dean's 19, Perkins added 17 and the trio of Erin Jent, Cristy Nitz and Lindsey Sams chipped in a dozen apiece. Every member of the RiverHawk squad scored in the rout. After shooting 58 percent in the first half, the RiverHawks converted 17-of-34 shots in the final 20 minutes and committed just 13 turnovers.

Haley Dunn paced Cameron's scoring effort with 23 points.

Northeastern State will continue battling for its playoff life on Saturday when it travels to Denton to tackle Texas Woman's University. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m.