The Basics

Score: Northwestern 83 – Emporia State 79
Records: NW (2-3, 0-2 GAC) - ESU (2-3, 0-0 MIAA)
Location: Percefull Fieldhouse – Alva, Okla.

ALVA, Okla. – Northwestern Oklahoma State Men's Basketball rode a fine defensive performance to victory Tuesday evening, as they took down the Emporia State Hornets 83-79. Hosting the 2016-17 home-opener at a newly renovated Percefull Fieldhouse, the Rangers shot an impressive 57.1% from the field in what appeared to be their most complete ballgame of the young season.

The Fast Break

Northwestern used a strong opening few minutes to jump out to a 15-7 advantage, a lead they would successfully maintain all night. The Rangers displayed an outstanding degree of hustle, pressuring the Hornet offense to make uncharacteristic mistakes early. Adrian Motley helped lead the Ranger attack, recording 13 of his 24 points in the opening period.
 
The first half produced two very different looking offensive teams. A Hornet squad that appeared to live and die by the three, compared to an effective Ranger team that managed 48% from the field. Emporia State tossed up 34 three-point attempts tonight, converting on 13 of them, while shooting just 25.8% in the frame. The Rangers controlled an efficient first half, taking a 32-22 lead into halftime.
 
Since his arrival in Alva, Northwestern Oklahoma State head coach Shawn Dirden has been preaching his defensive mentality, and it showed tonight. Tuesday's contest saw the Rangers pull down 30 defensive rebounds and record 10 steals, the most since a 13 takeaway performance in a win against Northeastern State.
 
The second half saw the Ranger offense continue to dominate a tired Emporia State defense. In the midst of a 17-10 run coming out of the break, Motley got the attention of all in attendance with a statement dunk. After a sweet dish from Brandon Green, the Ranger senior drove to the basket with authority, blowing by three helpless defenders and slamming it home while drawing a foul.
 
With Percefull Fieldhouse buzzing and 12:57 remaining, a Greg Minor Jr. layup extended Northwestern's lead to 21, their largest of the game. But Emporia State seemed poised to make a comeback and went on a 30-14 run, capped off by a three pointer from guard Jay Teemat to pull the Hornets back within five.
 
Dirden's team showed its experience late in the game, refusing to panic when a comfortable second half lead was all but erased. Sticking to the game plan, the Rangers remained composed and disciplined when Emporia State was forced to foul in the dying seconds. Deiondray Martin and Cody Halvorson combined to sink four of six free throws, sealing Northwestern's second victory of the season.
 
Northwestern improves to 2-3 (0-2 GAC) on the year heading into the Thanksgiving break.
 
 Up Next
 
Northwestern Oklahoma State Men's Basketball will get a nine day break before returning to Percefull Fieldhouse for their 2016-17 Great American Conference home opener, as they host Southern Arkansas (3-1, 2-0 GAC) on Thursday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m.

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