ALVA, OKLAHOMA - The Northwestern Oklahoma State Men's Basketball team (6-6, 3-3 GAC) is on the road for a two game road trip in Arkadelphia. The trip starts against Ouachita Baptist (8-4, 3-3 GAC) at the Bill Vining Arena. Tip-off for the game has been moved to 5:00 PM due to the expected forecast in Arkadelphia.

Overall these two teams meet for the 23rd time in program history since 2013. The Tigers lead the series 12-10 over the Rangers. Northwestern comes in winners of three straight against Ouachita Baptist and four of the last five. The last meeting the Rangers won 82-78 in overtime. Ouachita leads 8-3 overall in Arkadelphia in the series. 

On the season Northwestern has won two of the last three games with wins over Southeastern Oklahoma State and East Central before losing to Oklahoma Baptist in Shawnee to start the New Year. 

In the loss to Oklahoma Baptist, the Bison took control in the second half out scoring the Rangers by 21 points for the 74-52 win. Northwestern was led by Max Alexander with 23 points, one of two double figure scorers joined by DaRaun Clark. 

The Rangers are led by Camron McDowell and Max Alexander averaging 24.9 points and 23.3 points each. McDowell is first in the conference in scoring and fifth overall in Division II, as Alexander is 3rd in the conference and 12th overall. On top of scoring Alexander leads the team in assists at 4.8 per game which is fifth in the conference per game. Tshibangu is second in he conference in offensive rebounds per game with 2.8

Defensively Kabeya Tshibangu has 12 blocks and 10 steals on the season as he leads the team in blocks. Camron McDowell and Max Alexander lead the team in steals with 21 and 20 on the season. Tshibangu leads the team with seven rebounds per game followed by Justin Norris at 5.7 per game.

The Rangers continue to lead the nation in free throw percentage at 83.1% on the season and are first in the conference in free throws made. Northwestern is second in the conference in turnovers forced per game at 15.83. 

OUACHITA BAPTIST TIGERS:

The Tigers are on a three game winning streak entering play on Thursday with wins over Arkansas- Monticello, Harding and most recently Arkansas Tech. Ouachita is 5-1 on their home floor this season. 

The last time out the Tigers won 78-72 over Arkansas Tech behind 29 points from Hobert Grayson and 16 points from Reggie Martin. 

Ouachita has three players scoring double figures as Hobert Grayson is scoring 24.8 second in the conference just 0.1 behind McDowell for the conference lead. Shaun Willimas scores 19.4 per game followed by Reggie Martin with 10.8. The team is the leader in assists per game at 16.9 and assist /turnover ratio at 1.75, led by PJ Neal with 43 assists on the season. 

On defense Ouachita Baptist is led by Grayson with 21 steals on the season followed by Gavin Snyder with 15. Devyn Franklin is the leader in blocks with eight. Grayson averages a double double at 11.7 rebounds per game. 

Ouachita Baptist comes in with the number one ranked scoring offense with 88.2 points per game for 22nd in the nation, and are first in three point percentage and fourth in the nation. 

STAT OF THE GAME:

Rangers are 25-41 vs Arkansas schools on the road. Under Harman the Rangers are 5-7 on the road vs Arkansas Schools. 

FOLLOW THE GAME:

Stats: https://obutigers.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary

Video: https://www.youtube.com/@OSDNMedia

Listen: https://www.alvaradio.com/

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