MONTICELLO, ARKANSAS - Northwestern Oklahoma State Men's team was set for their first game of the New Year against Arkansas Monticello Thursday evening. After a back and forth battle the Rangers used a 13-0 run to take a lead in the second half before closing out the 65-61 win.

Northwestern's win brings the Rangers to 4-7 on the year with a 2-3 conference record. 

The game opened with Monticello striking first on a turnaround jump shot by Zane Nelson for the early lead, however Brian Free countered with a three pointer assisted by Kennedy Milton for a 3-2 Ranger lead. The teams traded leads as after the Weevils gained the lead Free hit his second three pointer for the lead at 6-4. White then grabbed a steal and a fastbreak layup for a 8-4. 

A jump shot by Cameron McDowell had Northwestern in front at the 12:39 mark of the opening half before Arkansas Monticello took the lead at 11-10 with 12:19 to play. Arkansas Monticello used an 8-0 run from there to build up a 17-10 lead before Free ended the Rangers five minute scoring drought to cut the deficit to 17-12. However Arkansas Monticello scored five straight to push the lead to double digits for the first time at 22-12, with five minutes to play in the half. 

Out of a timeout Camron McDowell and Justin Norris hit back to back three pointers as the Rangers quickly got the deficit back down to four with the two three pointers. Deatrick Pashell foul shots and a Free layup cut it to three at halftime as the Rangers trailed 27-24. 

Josh Denton hit the first points of the second half for Arkansas Monticello scoring the first four points of the half taking a 31-24 lead. Marquise Milton and Brian Free combined for a layup and a three pointer keeping the Rangers within striking distance,

At the 14:04 mark of the second half McDowell tied the game for Northwestern with a layup at 37-37. After the game was tied at 41-41 Brian Free pushed the Rangers in front at 43-41 for the first lead since the first half. Free then completed a fast break three pointer off a Larry White steal to complete a 13-0 run to take a 50-41 lead.

However Arkansas Monticello answered back with a 7-0 run to cut the Ranger lead back down to two. The game was tied 52-52 with 4:00 minutes left when Chance Love hit his first three pointer of the evening for a 55-52 lead. Kennedy Milton followed with a mid range jump shot to extend the lead to 57-52.

The Rangers kept the run going following a Free three pointer for a 60-52 lead and an 8-0 run. Arkansas Monticello cut it back down to one possession though in the final minute at 60-57 following a couple of Arkansas Monticello foul shots.

The Rangers held a one point lead at 62-61 following two Jackson foul shots but Brian Free kept answering at the line with two of his own pushing it back to 64-61. Northwestern held on with a 65-61 victory to start the New Year. 

Northwestern will return to action on Saturday afternoon with a 3PM tip-off following the Lady Rangers game agaisnt Southern Arkansas in Magnolia.

For the latest news and updates on NWOSU Athletics, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.riderangersride.com.