ALVA, Okla - The Northwestern Oklahoma State men's basketball team defeated the Southern Arkansas Muleriders 75-73 in overtime on Thursday night on a Max Alexander last second jump shot.
The Rangers got out to an early 5-2 lead, however both teams traded baskets through the next few minutes as the Muleriders took the lead 7-6 at the first media break of the half. Northwestern got a few turnovers on the defensive end however Southern Arkansas found themselves in the lead 19-10 at the under 12 minute media timeout. The Rangers found a bit of momentum midway through the half, as they were able to get the lead down to seven at 20-27. Northwestern found themselves trailing at the half 40-30, after a 13-10 run by the Muleriders to close out the half.
Northwestern tightened things up on the defensive end to start the second half holding Southern Arkansas to just four points in the early going. The Rangers defensive effort began to pay dividends as they were able to close the gap to 47-40 just before the 12 minute media timeout. After a couple quick Mulerider baskets, the Rangers once again found themselves trailing by double digits as the game headed into the under 12 minute media timeout. Northwestern battled their way back to cut the lead to four late in the half, on the heels of a 10-2 run that was fueled by multiple turnovers by Southern Arkansas. The Rangers took the lead for the first time since early in the first half on a Keyondre Young layup to go ahead 63-62 with less than a minute left in the game. The Rangers led by three with less than 10 seconds to play before a Mulerider three sent the game to overtime. The Rangers took control early in the overtime period, but the Muleriders were once again able to tie things up late. Alexander knocked down an elbow jumper in the final seconds to give Northwestern the win.
Northwestern will be back in action on Saturday February 21st as they host Arkansas-Monticello at 3:00 p.m.
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