SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA - Northwestern Oklahoma State Men's Basketball lost to Oklahoma Baptist on Saturday evening 74-52 in the first game after the New Year. It was a 10-0 run with the game four point game that pushed the Bison into control before closing out the double digit victory over the Rangers.

Northwestern Oklahoma State drops to 6-6 on the season with a 3-3 conference record, while Oklahoma Baptist improves to 9-3 on the year with a 6-0 conference record.

The Rangers had two double figure scorers led by Max Alexander with 23 points along with DaRaun Clark with 11 points. Kabeya Tshibangu had nine rebounds for a team high, as Alexander led the way with three assists.

After the teams traded possessions in the opening minutes the Bison were the first to score on a Coner three pointer for the first of eight straight points for the Bison to start the game with an 8-0 lead three minutes into the game. It was Tshibangu that got the scoring started for the Rangers with a putback layup. The Bison led 10-2 at the first media break stoppage, which out of the break the Rangers cut into the deficit, as DaRaun Clark scored five straight points after hitting a three pointer cutting the deficit to 12-8. Dirin Birhiray scored four straight points including a turnaround jump shot to tie the game at 12-12. Alexander gave the Rangers the first lead of the game at 15-12. Halfway through the opening half the game was tied 15-15 following a three pointer by Ricky Brown.

The teams traded three pointers before Oklahoma Baptist went on their second 8-0 run of the half building a 28-20 lead. The Rangers answered with nine straight to take a 29-28 lead as Alexander scored six of those and a three pointer by Justin Norris. Oklahoma Baptist pushed a head right before the half on a couple of foul shots for a 30-29 lead over the Rangers after the first 20 minutes of game action.

Oklahoma Baptist pushed their lead to seven at 36-29 after scoring the first six points of the half. Birhiray and Alexander eached added a basket before a step back jump shot helped cut the Ranger deficit back down to four. However the home team then used a big run to take control of the game. With the score 41-37 Oklahoma Baptist used a 10-0 run to build their first double digit lead of the game at 51-37 using two three pointers with 9:39 left in the game.

After an Alexander jump shot the Bison then used a run to push the lead to a 20 point lead over the Rangers at 63-42. Justin Norris ended the run with a three pointer as the Rangers trailed 63-45. The Bison maintained the 20 point lead throughout the rest of the way, growing their lead to as many as 24 points at 69-45 before closing out the 74-52 win over the Rangers.

Northwestern Oklahoma State basketball will be back in action on Thursday evening as the Rangers are set to open a two game trip to Arkadelphia. Tip-off scheduled for 7:30 PM against the Tigers. 

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