The Basics
Score: Northwestern 69 – Arkansas Tech 85
Records: NW (1-3, 0-2 GAC) - ATU (2-0, 2-0 GAC)
Location: Tucker Coliseum – Russellville, Ark.

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Northwestern Oklahoma State Men's Basketball was defeated 85-69 Saturday afternoon, in their second Great American Conference contest of the season. Arkansas Tech displayed a balanced, patient attack that proved effective against the visiting Rangers.

The Fast Break

        Northwestern Oklahoma State traveled to Russellville, Ark. for a Great American Conference showdown against the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys. The Rangers got off to a solid start Saturday, jumping out to a 5-2 lead thanks to a couple of early shots from senior Austin Klug. The lead was erased by Tech's Branden Williams, who single-handedly took the Wonder Boys on a 9-0 run in the first six minutes.
 
        The Wonder Boys found themselves up by 15 thanks to strong offensive possessions coupled with a six minute Ranger cold streak. Tech was able to use their depth early, providing 19 points off the bench in the first half. Northwestern picked away at the Tech lead, pulling within four with just over one minute left in the opening frame.
 
        Inbounding the ball with just three seconds on the clock, Adrian Motley hit a buzzer beater from about 28 feet out, but was waved off and called for traveling. Shooting 36.4% from the field, the Rangers trailed 36-28 heading into the locker room. Motley, coming off a 12 point performance in Thursday night's loss at Harding, put up 14 points in the half.
 
        The Wonder Boys came on strong out of the break, going on a 15-6 run and extended their lead to 18. The Rangers would slow the game down after a media timeout, with Klug dropping six straight points in the paint followed by a deep three from Zachary Dumas.
 
        Turnovers and poor shot choices plagued the Rangers in the second half, while Arkansas Tech was able to pull away thanks to second and third chance buckets. With 6:21 remaining in the ballgame, Northwestern trailed 76-53.
 
        Things took a physical turn at the 5:35 mark as Arkansas Tech's Bennie Lufile shoved Ranger freshman Hunter Frisby, earning both players technical fouls. Frisby was called on an intentional foul while Lufile was penalized for retaliation. As Tech extended their lead to 25 late in the second half, Northwestern head coach Shawn Dirden used the opportunity to get some of his younger players into the ballgame.
 
        Northwestern ended up dropping the final game of their Arkansas road swing 85-69, on 39.3% shooting from the field.
 
         "I don't think we played very well as a team." said Dirden pointing to his team's 19 turnovers. Excited to get back in the film room and learn from this tough road trip, Dirden remains optimistic. "We can't wait for the chance to play at Percefull Fieldhouse for four straight games, I believe it's going to be a good opportunity to keep our swagger after a tough couple of losses."
 
        Cody Halvorson continued to display his strong shooting from beyond the arc, going 3-5 on three point shots. Motley once again led the Rangers in time played, recording his 23 points in a team high 35 minutes.
 
 
Up Next

• Northwestern Oklahoma State Men's Basketball will return to Alva for their 2016-17 home opener at Percefull Fieldhouse, as they host Emporia State (Kansas) (1-2, 0-0 MIAA) on Tuesday, November 22 at 7:00 p.m.

For the latest information and updates on Ranger Basketball, follow @NWOSUAthletics on Twitter or go to www.riderangersride.com.