ALVA, Okla  - The Northwestern Oklahoma State men's basketball team outscored Arkansas-Monticello in the second half to defeat the Boll Weevils 74-57.

The first half was a tight back and forth affair as both teams traded baskets and took turns with the lead. Defense was the story in the early going as neither side allowed many opportunities, as the score was tied at 2 going into the first media break. The offenses broke through after this point as both teams traded baskets with Arkansas Monticello coming out ahead at the under 14 media timeout. The rest of the half was more of the same until the Rangers were able to break away late in the half. Northwestern held on to a 36-32 lead going into the halftime intermission.

The Rangers offense came out of the locker room still hot from their late first half run and pulled ahead early going up by 12 at the first media stoppage of the second half. The Ranger defense continued to keep the pressure on Arkansas-Monticello keeping them to just eight points through the first eight minutes of play. Northwestern was able to extend their lead to as many as 23 with just over four minutes left to play in the game. The Rangers weathered a late run by the Boll Weevils as their lead fell to just 17 as the final buzzer sounded. 

Northwestern had four players finish in double figures led by Max Alexander with 18, followed by Robbie Armbreaster with 15. Kenny Burns III added 13 of his own while Cam'ron Brown poured in 11 points to round things out.

Northwestern will be back in action on Thursday, February 26 as they host Oklahoma Baptist for their final home game of the season. 

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