ALVA, OKLA.  - The Northwestern Oklahoma State men's basketball team closed out their non conference schedule with an 85-83 win over Emporia State University, guided by a 30 point performance by Max Alexander.

The start of the game was evenly matched as both teams traded buckets, and were tied at the first media time out. The Hornets took control after that, going on an 13-4 run, fueled by a five point flurry by Jack Weigusm to take the lead 23-16. 

Emporia State maintained the lead up through the six minute mark of the first half before the Rangers found momentum and took the lead with five and a half minutes left in the half on a Justin Norris three pointer. Northwestern held the lead through the rest half, taking a 46-37 lead into the break.

The Rangers continued their momentum in the second period of play leading most of the way through, going up by as many as 15 at the 12-minute media timeout. Emporia State did not stay quiet as they scratched their way back into the game. The Hornets got the Ranger lead down to two on a three point basket by Mason Jones. 

Northwestern weathered that storm and maintained composure, extending their lead back out to seven points at the 8-minute media timeout. Emporia State made another run late in the half and took the lead 80-78 with two minutes remaining. Alexander gave the lead back to Northwestern with a three point play. That would prove to be enough as the Rangers made several clutch shots down the stretch to secure the victory.

The Rangers were led by Alexander who tallied 32 points, followed by Norris with 14 and Keyondre Young who added 13. 

Northwestern will be back in action on Thursday, December 4th at 7 p.m. as they travel to Russellville, Arkansas to take on Arkansas Tech.

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