ALVA, Okla.  - The Northwestern Oklahoma State men's basketball team had four players score in double figures, as they earned their third straight victory on Thursday night, as they defeated Southwestern Oklahoma State 80-73. 

Northwestern fell behind early going down 5-0 to Southwestern. The Rangers went on an 8-4 run to cut the Bulldog lead to one at the 16 minute media timeout.  Robbie Armbreaster gave Northwestern the lead midway through the half at 10-9, the Rangers would carry the lead into the under 12 media break with a 12-11 advantage over the Bulldogs.

After a brief Southwestern lead, Northwestern reclaimed the lead 17-13 at the under eight minute media break. The Rangers grabbed the momentum with a 6-1 run to push their lead to 23-14 forcing a Bulldog timeout. A couple of Southwestern turnovers gave Northwestern a 12 point lead with just over four minutes remaining in the first half, before the Bulldogs scored four quick points to cut the Ranger lead to eight. Northwestern was able to get the lead back to double digits late in the half but Southwestern answered with a 6-2 run to cut the Ranger lead to 32-26 at the intermission.

The Rangers saw their lead cut down to four 34-30 at the first media timeout of the second half. Northwestern led by as many as eight through the next period of play, before Southwestern cut it to six 42-36 at the second media stoppage of the half. After the Bulldogs went on a 7-6 run, the Rangers answered with four straight points to take a nine point lead at 52-43 into the under 12 minute media break.

The two sides traded baskets midway through the half as Northwestern was able to maintain their lead over the Bulldogs at 60-51 at the under eight minute media timeout. Northwestern pushed the lead to double digits during the next period of play before the Bulldogs cut it to just four at 67-63 with just over five minutes left to play. The Rangers answered back with four straight points before Southwestern answered with a three to take a 71-66 lead at the final media timeout of the contest. The Rangers held off a late push by the Bulldogs to secure the victory.

Max Alexander led the way as one of four Rangers in double figures for the night with 25. Armbreaster added 14 points and led Northwestern in rebounds with 10. 

Northwestern will be back in action on Monday, January 26th as they welcome Southeastern to town with tip off slated for 7:30 p.m.

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