DENVER, Colo. Northwestern Oklahoma State University men's basketball wrapped up the second half of a back-to-back Saturday evening as the Rangers were bested 77-60 by nationally ranked Regis University (3-2, 0-0 RMAC).

Coming off their first win of the season Friday, a 69-65 battle against Metro State Denver, the Rangers played their second game in less than 24 hours but came out of the gate strong. Despite trailing by as many as eight points in the first half, Northwestern rallied for a 10-1 run to take a 29-28 lead into halftime.

"I thought we played a good 20 minutes and hung around against a top-25 team" said head coach Shawn Dirden. "With it being the second game in two days, I think we ran out of gas a little bit in the final few minutes."

Northwestern had four players reach double digits as Bryshon Bryant led the red-and-black with 11 points off the bench, complimented by 10 each from Jack Peck, David Thornton and Treyvon Andres. Peck was 4-for-6 from the field and showed promising hustle in his 25 minutes on the floor.

"We're still figuring out how we want to play" added Dirden. "We've got guys that are electric, and it was great to see Jack get some quality opportunities. We got better this weekend and that was the goal."

But a season-high 25 turnovers proved costly for Northwestern as Regis capitalized for 24 points off 11 takeaways. The Rangers also ran into foul trouble with both Bryce Cashman and David Thornton exceeding the limit.

Regis closed the game on a 20-8 run, handing Northwestern the 17-point loss in what was a well-played back-and-forth contest.

Northwestern will now set its sights on Great American Conference play as the Rangers open against 2017-18 league champion and nationally ranked #5 Southern Nazarene University in Alva Thursday, Nov. 29, before hosting Oklahoma Baptist on Saturday. The Rangers split the season series last year with the Crimson Storm, thanks in part to a dramatic buzzer-beater from Brandon Green that sent Percefull Fieldhouse into a frenzy as Northwestern handed SNU its only GAC loss.

Excited to get back home in front of the Percefull faithful, Dirden challenged Ranger Nation to get loud Thursday night.

"We've got the opportunity to open up GAC play at home this year and we've got to take advantage of it. Percefull Fieldhouse can make all the difference and it's easily the toughest place to play in the conference."

Southern Nazarene returns GAC Offensive Player of the Year Jhonathan Dunn and GAC Defensive Player of the Year Noah Starkey, as well as four of five starters from a year ago. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and can be seen live on riderangersride.com or heard on the Pulse 105.7 FM with Dustin Goodno and Jacob Boggess on the call.

For the latest news and updates on Ranger Basketball, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.RIDERANGERSRIDE.com