ALVA, Okla. - The Northwestern Oklahoma State men's basketball team earned their first conference victory of the season, defeating East Central 78-76 on a last second shot from Max Alexander.

East Central hit a three to open things up, but Northwestern answered back with nine unanswered points to take a 9-3 lead into the first media break. The Tigers answered back with a run of their own going on a 5-2 run through the 13 minute mark. The Rangers held strong, going on a 6-1 run giving them a 15-9 lead at the second media time out of the first half. 

The Ranger lead got up to as many as nine midway through the half, as the two sides traded buckets. East Central was able to pull within one with a 10-2 run before taking their first lead since the 18-minute mark of the half at 21-20 with just under seven minutes left in the half. Northwestern found themselves down by four with just over four minutes left in the half, before Robbie Armbreaster brought the Rangers within one at 25-24. 

The Tigers answered back with five unanswered to take a 30-24 lead into the final media timeout of the half. The two sides traded baskets in the final minutes of the half, Northwestern was unable to regain the lead as they trailed 36-30 at intermission.

The Rangers got a quick three from Justin Norris to start the second half cutting the Tigers lead to 36-33. The Two teams went back and forth in the early going of the half, four straight points from Alexander gave the Rangers their third lead of the game 42-40 at the under 16 media timeout. 

From there, East Central found a bit of momentum as they outscored Northwestern 10-9, but the Rangers held a one point lead at the 12-minute media break. Northwestern flipped momentum in their favor, as they went on a 10-0 run to push their lead to 60-50 with just under nine minutes left in the half. 

East Central grabbed the momentum back coming out of the final media time out, as they went on an 11-2 run to cut the Northwestern lead to just two at 74-72 with just over a minute left in the game. The Tigers tied the game at 76 with 18 seconds left, but a big jumper by Alexander with six seconds remaining gave Northwestern a two point victory, 78-76.

Northwestern will return to the hardwood on Thursday, December 18th when they welcome the Crimson Storm to Percefull Fieldhouse. 

For the latest news and updates on NWOSU, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.riderangersride.com