ALVA, OKLA. - The Northwestern Oklahoma State men's basketball team defeated Kansas Wesleyan 80-78 behind a strong second half and two 20-point efforts by Max Alexander and Robbie Armbrester.
Northwestern started quick scoring four of the first six points of the game off back to back baskets by Armbrester that included an energy inducing dunk. Kansas Wesleyan answered back with an 11-2 run giving them a 13-6 lead at the first media timeout of the first half. The Coyotes quickly began to pull away midway through the first period of play,as they led by as many as 12.
The Rangers found some momentum after the eight minute media timeout going on an 11-7 run to cut the deficit to just four points at 38-34. Northwestern continued their push late in the half but could not find the lead, as they went into the intermission break down 44-38.
Northwestern came out of the break with a fire to them, as Armbrester came out of the gate with two big dunks to bring the Rangers within nine early in the second period of play. Keondre Young joined the Ranger dunk party, throwing one down off a pass from Cam'Ron Brown followed by a three pointer in what would turn into a 9-4 swing in favor of Northwestern bringing the score to 57-54 at the 12 minute media timeout.
The Rangers took their first lead since the first half on a Chris Tippins three pointer going up 59-57 with just over 10 minutes to go in the game. The two sides traded baskets for the next few minutes, however Kansas Wesleyan went on a 6-1 run to regain the lead at the eight minute media time out 63-60. The Rangers battled back though, tying it up at 69 before eventually taking the lead 72-69 on another huge three by Young at the final media timeout of the game. The final minutes of the game was a back and forth affair, as neither team could pull away from the other. Northwestern was able to maintain a late lead and survive a late three to win 80-78.
Northwestern will be back in action on Saturday, November 29th at 3 p.m. as they host Emporia State University inside Percefull Fieldhouse.
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