ALVA, Okla. – Northwestern Oklahoma State men's basketball survived a second half scare from the Ouachita Baptist Tigers to move to 4-0 to start the season after their 68-66 victory at home Saturday afternoon. The Ranger defense was on full display as the black-and-red picked up 10 steals and five blocked shots with Brandon Green pick-pocketing the Tigers three times. Treyvon Andres and Greg Minor Jr. combined for 27 points while sharpshooter Cody Halvorson had a game-high 16 going 4-for-6 from the field.

The Rangers 4-0 record marks their best start since joining the NCAA in 2012 and has them sitting atop the Great American Conference standings.

Northwestern led by as many as 13 after the break before a determined Ouachita squad cut the deficit to just three midway through the second half. After a three-pointer by Mahlon Martin tied the

game for Ouachita, the Tigers took the lead with eight minutes to go. The Rangers would regain control moments later, but the closing minutes were not without their share of theatrics as the Tigers pulled to within one with only 11 seconds remaining.

Firing on all cylinders to open the game, the Rangers built up a sizeable lead thanks to a first half that saw the black-and-red shooters connect on 56% from the field including 5-of-11 (45.5%) from three-point territory. After 20 minutes of play, Northwestern found themselves up by 11 at the break

Both teams struggled from the free throw line with the Rangers and Tigers shooting a mere 51.9% (14-for-27) and 44.4% (8-for-18) respectively. Despite a spirited comeback bid by the Tigers in the closing minutes, Northwestern was able to close out the contest for their fifth straight victory inside Percefull Fieldhouse.

Freshman import Saba Gvedashvili made his season debut Saturday after sitting out the Rangers first three contests. The 6'7" native of the Republic of Georgia was 0-for-2 from the field in nine minutes on the floor.

Up Next
The Rangers will have a short three day layoff before heading to Emporia, Kan. on Wednesday, Nov. 22 to take on Emporia State University in non-conference action. The Hornets are coming off a 69-62 win against Drury University on Saturday and will play the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. before hosting Northwestern at White Auditorium. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

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