ALVA, Okla. – Northwestern Oklahoma State men's basketball dropped to 2-5 (1-1 GAC) on the season after a 66-62 loss to non-conference opponent Newman University, Tuesday evening. Bryshon Bryant, Jack Peck and Treyvon Andres each had 12 points in the effort while A.J. Jones added nine points and five assists.

The Rangers were off to a strong start and led the Jets (6-4, 1-1 Heartland) by five mid-way through the opening frame. After trading blows in the final two minutes of the first, Northwestern found themselves trailing by three at halftime.

Trailing by two in the dying moments, Northwestern nearly saw its fortune turn for the better as a Newman player missed two free throws with just under 15 seconds remaining, setting up an opportunity for another buzzer beater. This time, it was Jones with the three-point shot from the right corner, but his shot rattled off the backside of the rim and into the hands of a Newman defender.

A capable Northwestern defense managed to force 20 Jets turnovers, but the Rangers often found themselves coming up empty on possessions after shooting just 22 percent in the second half including 17 percent from beyond-the-arc for the game.

Newman's Ben Ayre and Marshawn Blackmon each had 14 points, helping the Jets go 40 percent from the field.

Northwestern will now look to regroup and set its sights on the Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm. With a rare off-Thursday, the Rangers travel south Saturday to Durant, Oklahoma for a 3:00 p.m. matchup. Southeastern (4-1, 1-1 GAC) will first play No. 5 Southern Nazarene at home before hosting the red-and-black. Coverage can be found at www.riderangersride.com.

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