TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - The Lincoln men's basketball team rallied from a 19-point halftime deficit to take the lead in the second half, but the Blue Tigers ended up falling to Northeastern State, 73-69, on Thursday night (Feb. 23).

Artese Stapleton led LU with 23 points, dished three assists, notched three steals, grabbed two rebounds and blocked a shot, and Kevin Kone posted a double-double with 11 points, 10 boards and a block. Sai Witt rejected two shots on the evening and finished with 15 points and eight rebounds, and DJ Richardson added 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Northeastern State (11-14, 8-13 MIAA) shot a blistering .613 in the opening half, making 19 field goals en route to a 44-25 advantage at the break. Lincoln (17-8, 13-8 MIAA) tightened up its defensive play considerably in the second half, allowing the RiverHawks to shoot just .348 over the final 20 minutes, as well as preventing NSU from making any three-point baskets in that half. 

Lincoln opened the second half on a 30-10 run, taking a 55-54 lead with 10 minutes remaining on a bucket by Stapleton following Richardson's steal. The lead changed hands seven more times down the stretch, with NSU making a jumper to take the advantage for good, 65-63, at the 3:47 mark. The RiverHawks would ultimately lead by seven before a triple from Stapleton closed the gap down to four with three seconds left in the regulation.

Sam Rautins rounded out LU's starters with eight points and five rebounds, and Franck Yetna closed the scoring with two points and a board. Jamar Madge, Jr. provided a rebound and an assist, and Caleb Wright also had a rebound for Lincoln.

The Blue Tigers will close the regular season on Saturday (Feb. 25) with a trip to Claremore, Okla. to play Rogers State at 3:30 p.m. CST.