SHAWNEE, Okla. - The Northwestern Oklahoma State men's basketball team's second half comeback attempt falls just short, as they could not overcome an early double digit deficit falling to Oklahoma Baptist 85-77.

The first four minutes of the game were tightly contested, as the Rangers found themselves down by just one at the first media timeout. Northwestern found themselves down 10 shortly after as Oklahoma Baptist went on a 13-4 run at the second media break of the half. 

The Rangers continued to fight throughout the next four minutes but the Bison stretched the lead to 15 at the under eight minute media stoppage. Northwestern gained a little momentum with an 8-5 run at the final media timeout of the first half. Northwestern managed to get the lead down to 13 a few times in the final minutes of the half but found themselves trialing Oklahoma Baptist 51-34 at the halftime break.

The Rangers came out of the intermission with momentum on their side, as they used a 9-2 run to cut the Bison deficit to eight points 53-45. The Northwestern run was answered quickly by Oklahoma Baptist who scored six unanswered headed into the first media break of the second half. Northwestern stayed close but a 10-7 Oklahoma Baptist run kept them ahead 71-54.

Northwestern battled on the defensive end coming out of the media break holding the Bison scoreless for a little over 2 and a half minutes, cutting into the lead. A Keyondre Young three pointer sent the Rangers into the under eight minute timeout trailing by 12 at 77-65.

The Rangers scored six unanswered coming out of the break to get to within six points at 77-71. Northwestern held strong as they only allowed one Bison basket in the three plus minutes trailing 80-71 at the final media break of the half. Robbie Armbreaster and Cam'Ron Brown connected on a big play alley-oop to bring the Rangers to within five with just under three minutes remaining in the game. Northwestern battled until the end but were unable to complete the comeback attempt.

Max Alexander led the way for the Rangers offensively with 22 points, going 10-10 from the free throw line. Young poured in 17 and Armbreaster added 11 points of his own.

Northwestern will return to the hardwood on Thursday, January 8th at 7:30 p.m. when they welcome the Ouachita Baptist Tigers to Percefull Fieldhouse. 

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