TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- The Washburn Ichabods jumped out to a 13-2 lead but ran into a buzzsaw as the Northeastern State RiverHawks hit 9 first half 3-pointers as they topped Washburn 80-73.

The RiverHawks from the early lead by the Ichabods, NSU outscored Washburn 34-13 over the final 15:45 of the first half hitting 10 of 16 shots going 9 of 13 from 3-point range to take a 36-26 lead into the break at the half. Washburn was 10 of 26 overall and 4 of 9 from 3-point range and outrebounding the RiverHawks 16 to 12 holding NSU without an offensive rebound.

The Ichabods came back in the second half to take a 56-55 lead with 5:37 to play after a pair of free throws by Korey Fisher but back to back 3's by the RiverHawks pushed the lead out to six and then a field goal and a free throw by the RiverHawks put NSU up 64-56 with 2:57 to play. A 3-pointer by Alex North cut the lead to five with 2:46 remaining.

A free throw by David Salach cut the RiverHawk lead back to four at 64-60 with 1:59 to play in the game.

The RiverHawks connected on two free throws to go back up 66-60 with 1:36 to play. 

The Ichabods came up empty on their next time down the court and NSU hit 14 of its final 14 free throws of the game to hold on for the nine-point win.

North led the Ichabods with 21 points and 10 rebounds recording his 15th double double at Washburn in the process. Kyle Wiggins scored 16 before fouling out and David Salach scored 11.

Washburn finished the game 27 of 55 from the field shooting 49 percent overall while the RiverHawks were 23 of 46 overall only hitting three 3-pointers in the second half but finished 22 fo 28 from the free throw line compared to 10 of 17 for the Ichabods.

Washburn will return to action on Thursday against Nebraska-Kearney on Schendel Court.