ALVA, Okla.  - The Northwestern Oklahoma State men's basketball team fell to Harding University 68-63 in a tightly contested match up that went down to the wire.

Northwestern found themselves behind early on in the contest, but battled back to tie the game at the under 12 media time out 10-10. Harding took the lead midway through the half with a 5-2 run. The Rangers battled back to take the lead late in the half at 17-16, then Harding scored four unanswered to lead 20-17. Northwestern got a big three by Justin Norris to tie the game right before the under four minute media stoppage. The two sides would head to the halftime locker room tied at 22.

Harding came out of the locker room with momentum on their side scoring five quick points in the early going to take a five point lead over the Rangers. Northwestern battled back going on a 10-9 run to bring it to just one at the media timeout before taking a one point lead. The lead was short lived as Harding answered back to go ahead 40-36. Northwestern fought back again to tie the game at 42 with a 6-2 run midway through the half. Harding grabbed the lead after the media timeout, however Northwestern continued to battle, getting to within three points of the Bisons multiple times but still found themselves down late in the game 64-58. Northwestern once again battled back but could not take the lead as they would fall to Harding.

Max Alexander led the Rangers with 27 points followed by Robbie Armbreaster who contributed 11 of his own.

Northwestern will be back in action on Saturday, January 31st for Hall of Fame Day as they welcome Arkansas Tech to town with tip off slated for 1:00 p.m.

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