ALVA, OKLAHOMA - The Northwestern Oklahoma State Ranger Basketball team closed out the season series with the Bisons Thursday evening with a 13 point win a final score of 80-67 behind a strong dominating second half. The Rangers, who trailed going into the break, outscored Harding 48-31 for the double digit win.
The Rangers improved to 15-10 on the season with a 13-6 conference record following the win. The win marks the fourth straight win overall and the seventh straight at home.
Northwestern led by Camron McDowell with 22 points on 70% shooting led the way for the Rangers one of five double figure scorers joined by Larry White with 15 points, Brian Free at 13 and Kennedy Milton along with Marquise Milton finished with 11. Kabeya Tshibangu finished with a team high 11 rebounds.
Harding opened with the game's first five points on a couple of foul shots before a steal and a three pointer had the visitors up five. Marquise Milton got the scoring started for the Rangers following a jump shot and a three pointer scoring the first five for the Red and Black. Harding led for the opening 10 minutes of the game as the two teams traded baskets after the opening few minutes before Brian Free gave the Rangers the first lead of the game on a three pointer assisted by Kennedy Milton for a 13-12 lead. Cam McDowell followed with a three pointer as a 7-0 run put the Rangers up 17-12.
Kennedy Milton hit a three pointer to hold the Rangers lead at 20-16 but a 7-0 run but the Bisons this time put them back in front at 23-20 before Larry White ended their run with 6:45 left in the half. Jabiri Smith hit a three pointer assisted by Marquise Milton to bring the Rangers within one but Harding answered back with one from McBride.
Harding took a six point lead at 36-30 before White closed the half with two points to cut the halftime deficit down to four points at 36-32 going into the break.
The two teams traded points early in the half before a three pointer by Kennedy Milton to tie the game followed by a three pointer by Marquise Milton had the Rangers up one for the first time in the second half. After Harding regained the lead and took a two point lead it was McDowell that hit back to back three pointers to take a 50-46 lead over the Rangers with 13:15 left in the game.
After a Brian Free steal on the defensive end led to a Shavaul Butters layup put the Rangers up six points as the Rangers continued to extend their lead. The Ranger lead hit double digits for the first time after four straight points from McDowell pushed it to 58-48. The Rangers held the 10 point lead with 10 minutes to play.
Northwestern followed that with a 7-0 run capped off by a Brian Free three pointer for their largest lead of the game to that point. Larry White answered a Bisons three pointer with one of his own to hold the 17 point lead. A McDowell three pointer sent the lead to 18 points, the largest for the Rangers. Northwestern closed out the 80-67 victory over Harding Thursday evening.
The Rangers will be back in action on Saturday afternoon against Arkansas Tech to close out the season series with the Wonder Boys. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM following the Lady Rangers game.
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