WEATHERFORD, OKLAHOMA - Northwestern Oklahoma State traveled to Weatherford Oklahoma for a rivalry matchup with the Bulldogs. Southwestern came back late to steal the win against the Rangers following a late 5-0 to take a 71-68 lead in which the Rangers trailed the rest of the way.
Camron McDowell led the way for the Rangers with 21 points as one of three double figure scorers along with Larry White 16 points, and Kennedy Milton at 11 points.
Southwestern opened the game with a three pointer in the opening seconds of the game before Larry White capitalized with a layup opportunity. Southwestern hit their second three in the opening minutes building an early 7-2 lead over the Rangers. However the Rangers were able to answer back with six straight points finished off by a Brian Free drive to the rim for a 8-7 Ranger lead, the first for the game for the visitors. Two minutes later though Jacore Williams finished off a shot inside the paint off an in bounds play to regain the lead for the Bulldogs.
The two teams went back and forth for the next few minutes as McDowell scored four straight for the Rangers taking a 12-11 lead with 12:31 remaining in the opening half. After a Al-Debaran foul shot the game was locked at 14-14 before McDowell forced a turnover and a steal running out on a fast break layup pushing the Rangers back out in front. Kennedy Milton followed with his first three pointer of the game for a 19-14 Ranger lead. Southwestern regained the lead for the first time since the 12 minute mark with four minutes remaining in the half for a 24-23 lead over the Rangers.
With 1:25 left in the half following a Jalen Johnson three pointer that tied the game the Rangers had the final say of the half before the break with an offensive put back by Shavaul Butters for the 33-31 halftime lead.
Marquise Milton helped the Rangers start strong as on the opening possession drilled a three pointer assisted by Larry White for the 36-31 lead over the Bulldogs. The Rangers forced a turnover on the first defensive possession. White scored his first points of the half to hold the four point lead. Southwestern tied it for the first time in the second half following a three pointer by Ben Smith for a 38-38 game with 17:31 left to play.
Southwestern regained the lead at the 16:35 mark following a step back jump shot by Jalen Johnson for the 41-39 lead. After Southwestern took their largest lead at the time at 48-39 the Rangers silenced the run trying to spark the comeback following a three pointer by McDowell. The largest Southwestern lead of the game was 10 at 54-44 over the Rangers but this time it was Larry White with his eighth point of the game to end the run. With a three point play. He continued to chip into the deficit bringing the Rangers back within five at the 9:39 mark.
The run continued as Kennedy Milton finished up a layup to bring the Rangers within one before Larry White scored five straight to tie the game at 66-66 and McDowell pushed the Rangers in front at 68-66. However, started by Ben Smith the Bulldogs answered with a 5-0 run to take a 71-68 lead before closing the game out at the foul line with a 75-72 victory over the Rangers.
Northwestern returns home on Saturday afternoon for the annual hall of fame game with tip-off scheduled for 3:00 PM against East Central.
