By RANGERS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
The Ranger men’s basketball team lost 87-81, against an undefeated Arkansas-Monticello team on Dec. 3.
The Rangers attempt at an upset of the Great American Conference’s top team would see a quick score from Greg Minor Jr. to give Northwestern the early advantage at 5-4. Cody Halvorson continued to show his long range touch with a quick three-pointer from the corner, making it 10-6 in favor of the home team.
Seven straight points from that Weevil offense gave them a 41-34 advantage in the closing minutes of the first half. After another Halvorson three, Monticello Coach Kyle Tolin requested a review of the game clock, thinking there should have been more than 16.8 seconds. After the video review, officials settled on 18.0 seconds, allowing just enough time for Weevil Cobe Goosby to sink a buzzer beating three-pointer.
Northwestern was trailing 44-39 heading into halftime.
Halvorson found a way to energize Percefull by hitting a heavily contested three to regain the lead in one of the afternoon’s 12 lead changes.
But the Weevils wouldn’t be stopped, going on a 9-3 run. That stretch gave them a 71-69 lead behind leading scorer Derylton Hill’s 29 point effort, and 17 points from Goosby. After a few tough calls, Ranger Austin Klug would also foul out of the game midway through the second half.
The Rangers did their best to take advantage of the often whistled matchup that would see 58 personal fouls called, going 22-28 from the free-throw line. With just 46.2 seconds remaining, Weevil point guard Karim Mawuenyega hit a fade away three pointer that put Monticello up by six. Greg Minor Jr. then ran up the floor, driving through traffic for a layup and drew a foul to pull the Rangers within striking distance. But Minor missed his free throw and the Weevils grabbed the rebound, controlling the ball and closing out the game.
The Rangers will get a week off before hosting Newman University at Percefull Fieldhouse Dec. 10 at 8 p.m.