GAME DETAILS
Northeastern State University 72, University of the Ozarks 70
Records: University of the Ozarks (4-1), Northeastern State University (4-1)
Monday, Nov. 20, 2023
Tahlequah, Okla.

THE BASICS
Tahlequah, Okla. – Northeastern State University escaped with a narrow 72-70 win Monday night as the Eagles pushed the NCAA II Riverhawks to the brink in Tahlequah. The Eagles impressive showing was fueled by an outstanding shooting night and a dominate performance on the boards. The Eagles also held the lead for well over half of the game. The Eagles outshot the Riverhawks 46 percent from the field to 41 percent. The Eagles also drilled 12-of-26 (46%) from the three-point line, while NSU hit 8-of-26. At the end of the game, the Eagles owned a 39-28 rebound advantage. The Eagles held a 36-33 halftime lead behind a balanced scoring output from both the outside and inside. The game went back-and-forth in the second half and the Eagles responded to every Northeastern threat. Justice Marmara drilled a three-pointer at the three-minute mark to give the Eagles a 64-63 lead. Marmara would hit another three, this time from NBA range, to give the Eagles a 70-69 advantage with ten seconds remaining in the game. But the Riverhawks executed a play with just six ticks left to go ahead. The Eagles did have the last possession, but couldn't convert. Tim Eldridge and Marmara each had 17 points to lead the Eagles.

TOP EAGLES
Scoring – (17) Tim Eldridge, Justice Marmara 
Rebounding – (10) Jordan Jenkins 
Assists – (5) Tim Eldridge 

TURNING POINT
Anthony Allen scored the Riverhawks final five points to help the NCAA II squad overcome a deficit with ten seconds remaining. 

TIP-INS
The loss does not count on the Eagles' win-loss record because it was an exhibition game for Ozarks.

UP NEXT
The Eagles will host Austin College November 25.