First Half:

Northeastern State Seizes First Significant Lead

• Time: 15:32 - 11:25
• Details: The Riverhawks went on a 14-2 run, fueled by a flurry of three-pointers, to seize a double-digit lead, 22-12.
• Key Plays:
  • Trey Phipps knocked down a trio of three-pointers during the surge.
  • Jaxon Jones hit a trey after Taven Washington drained a turnaround jumper.

Christian Brothers Responds In Kind

• Time: 11:14-5:16
• Details: CBU responded with a 14-2 run to reclaim the lead, 26-24. Allen Lattimore and Max Cain shifted the momentum with key baskets made at the beginning of the six-minute stretch.
• Key Plays:
  • Lattimore sank back-to-back three-pointers.
  • Cain completed a three-point play by making a contested layup and sinking the ensuing free throw.

Northeastern State Finishes The Half Strong

• Time: 4:20 - 0:00
• Details: NSU outscored the Bucs 14-8 down the final stretch of the first half. All of Northeastern State's baskets were made inside the arc. Meanwhile, Nmeso Nnebedum and Tane Kirisome both critically converted three-point attempts for CBU to keep the game within reach. 
• Key Plays:
  • Kirisome and Nnebedum's treys ensured a manageable deficit for CBU at the break.
  • Ethan Blackmon's layup in the closing seconds of the first half put NSU up by four, 38-34, at halftime.

Second Half:

Christian Brothers' Strong Start

• Time: 20:00 - 18:22
• Details: CBU came out strong after halftime with a 9-2 run, briefly grabbing the lead (43-40). This stretch included key three-pointers from Tane Kirisome, Allen Hughes and Iman Kheirati.
• Key Plays:
  • Kheirati and Kirisome's three-pointers were made without a response from NSU.
  • Hughes added a spot-up three to cap the run.

Momentum Shifts Back To Northeastern State

• Time: 13:49 - 11:39
• Details: After some back-and-forth scoring, the Riverhawks scored 10 unanswered points to take another double-digit lead (60-50).
• Key Players:
  • Phipps and Blackmon handled all of the scoring for NSU with six and four points respectively.  

Christian Brothers Battles Back

• Time: 11:15 - 4:27
• Details: CBU completely closed the gap with a 14-4 run. Christian Thompson banked a single free throw at the end of the run to tie the score at 64-64.
• Key Player:
  • Hughes led the charge with nine points. He knocked down a three-pointer, drove inside for a pair of layups, and hit a jumper to help his team get back in the game.

Northeastern State Finishes At The Free Throw Line

• Time: 4:02 - 0:00
• Details: NSU outscored the Bucs 12-8 in the final minutes of the contest. Kirisome nailed a three-pointer to bring CBU back within two points, 74-72, with seconds to go. Phipps was then sent to the charity stripe and made both of his free throws to seal the victory for the Riverhawks. 

Standout Performances

• Allen Hughes - Scored 12 points with nine assists, showing strong offensive contribution and playmaking abilities.
• Tane Kirisome - Recorded 11 points, including three 3-pointers, and dished out six assists, displaying good shooting and passing.
• Iman Kheirati - Notched a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing dominance on the boards and his ability to lead the scoring effort.
• Allen Lattimore - Posted 10 points in limited minutes. He shot 4-of-4 from the floor and 2-of-2 from beyond the arc.

Looking Ahead