Box score | Season stats

BOLIVAR, Mo. -- The SBU Bearcats dropped their home opener to the Riverhawks of Northeastern State, falling 71-67. Courtney Heady led the Bearcats (1-2) with 18 points, including four of five from long range. Ashleigh Gallio had 14 points and five assists for the 'Cats. Jasmine Sanford had a team high seven rebounds.

Jasmine Webb led the visitors with 20 points and 10 rebounds and was one of four NSU players in double figures.

Both teams struggled offensively initially, with the RiverHawks (5-2) edging the Bearcats 30-28 in the first half. NSU shot 33% (11 of 33) from the field while SBU was slightly better at 41% (11 of 27). Northeastern would extend their lead in the second half to as much as 12 points, on 57% shooting. After NSU would lead 61-49 with five minutes remaining, SBU would use a 10-2 run to cut the lead to four. The RiverHawks would hold off the Bearcat rally down the stretch to win by four points.

Head coach J.C. Carter said his team struggled to maintain momentum. "We had a tough time shooting in stretches and fell asleep on defense at times. We have to play all the way through possessions. We boxed out well but didn't go get the ball. We have to crash the boards."

Carter added that game experience is what his team needs most. "We scheduled some more physical opponents to get our players, especially the younger ones, ready for conference play."

The Bearcats continue one of the toughest non-conference schedules around, when they host two of the Great Lakes Valley Conference's top teams this weekend for the SBU Thanksgiving Classic. SBU will rematch with Quincy on Friday night, November 27, at 6 p.m. SBU was defeated 71-59 by the Lady Hawks last Saturday at the Quincy Tip-Off Classic. On Saturday, SBU will host Drury at 8 p.m., in the first matchup between the neighboring schools since 2001. Central Missouri is also part of the Thanksgiving Classic, taking on Drury on Friday and Quincy on Saturday, with both games starting at noon. Tickets are available for the Thanksgiving Classic by calling 417-328-1787.