MAGNOLIA, ARKANSAS - The Rangers lost their second straight in Arkansas this weekend as the Muleriders held on over the Rangers by a final score of 74-63. After Southern Arkansas led by 14 at halftime the Rangers cut it to six but the Muleriders prevailed, holding on for the win.
Malik Parsons led the way with 24 points along with four rebounds and two assists. Brian Free was the other Ranger in double figures finishing with 15 points in the game. Deatrick Pashell finished with a team high nine rebounds.
FIRST HALF:
The teams traded three pointers to start the game as after Hammond knocked one down Free answered back with one of his own to tie the game at 3-3. Southern Arkansas answered back, going on a quick run to take an 11-5 lead. Larry White silenced the run with a jump shot to bring the Rangers back within four. Northwestern brought the deficit back down to two a couple of times following foul shots from Marquise Milton and a shot by Parsons.
Southern Arkansas pushed the lead back to seven points at 22-15 following a Ray jump shot. White quickly answered with a three pointer trying to get the Rangers back in the game. Following a two minute scoring drought Parsons ended their run with a couple of foul shots. The lead was pushed to eight following a three pointer by Carle Ray for a 32-24.
The Muleriders continued to hold their eight point lead at 34-26 following a jump shot by Wyche before a three pointer by Rogers the teams seventh of the half had the lead 39-28 for the Muleriders. Southern Arkansas closed the half on a 9-2 run following a three pointer and a three point play finished at the foul line from three shots. The home team carried a 44-30 lead into halftime.
SECOND HALF:
The Rangers opened the second half with a solid 6-0 run on shots by Parsons, Deatrick Pashell and Brian Free. Northwestern's defense picked up to start the half holding the Muleriders scoreless for the first three minutes of the half. As Black silenced the Northwestern run with a jump shot he sparked a 7-0 Muleriders run as they opened a 15 point lead with 13:32 remaining. The game remained that way until the 12:07 mark Free knocked down a couple of foul shots White scored four straight bringing the Rangers back within eight.
Following two minutes of scoreless basketball Black once again silenced the Ranger run with a layup for a 53-43 lead. Marquise Milton sparked the next Ranger run before Chance Love foul shots brought Northwestern within six at 58-52 with 5:18 left to play. Southern Arkansas pushed the lead back to 11 at 63-52 with 4:12 to play in the game.
Northwestern forced back to back steals turning the two turnovers into fast break points bringing the deficit within 10 one last time on a Free three pointer at 70-61 however Southern Arkansas was able to close the game out with a 74-63 victory over the Rangers.
Northwestern returns home for three straight home games against Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, and Southwestern Oklahoma State. Starting Thursday night with a 7:30 PM tip-off.
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