ALVA, Okla. – Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rangers rebounded after a two-point loss to UAM Thursday evening and snagged a win against Southern Arkansas University Saturday afternoon. Northwestern trailed the Muleriders at one point in the first half and then buckled down to go into the half with a four-point lead. The Rangers carried the momentum long into the second half and took the game with a final score of 75-68.

The Red-and-Black offense was led by Jaedon Whitfield who had 25 points, 6-9 from the field and 12-16 from the free throw line. Other stand-out players included Clive Allen who had 21 points and four assists. Jack Peck and Parrish Hewitt had eight and six points respectively. Hewitt led the team with five assists.

The Rangers began on top the first half which quickly turned into a back and forth battle. After a tied score of 20-20 around the ten-minute mark the Red-and-Black earned an eight-point lead with the help of free-throws from Hewitt, Peck and Whitfield. A rally from Southern Arkansas brought the score back to a tied 31 points which kicked Northwestern into another gear. Allen led the run to give the Rangers a 42-38 advantage as they headed into halftime. The biggest difference between NWOSU and the Muleriders was the three-point percentage with Northwestern sitting at 45% and Southern Arkansas with 33%.

Northwestern defense came alive in the second half and kept the Muleriders offense to a staggeringly low 35% from the field and 16% from beyond the three-point line. Whitfield continued to tally points for the Rangers and helped keep a slight lead over Southern Arkansas for most of the second half. However, SAU rallied back to tie the game up 63-63 with four minutes left in the game. Northwestern finished the game out with eight free throws to hang onto the lead and win the game 75-68.

The Rangers out-rebounded the Muleriders 32 to 23 and earned 18 points off fast breaks. The defense of Southern Arkansas was good as well as they created 20 turnovers and tallied 17 points off those turnovers.

Desiree Morehead

Ranger Parrish Hewitt (4) takes the shot for the technical foul called during the first half of the game against Southern Arkansas University Saturday.

The Rangers will host another Great American Conference opponent Thursday evening Southern Nazarene University. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. following the Lady Rangers game.