By Emma Sporleder
Student Reporter
The Ranger men basketball team defeated the Harding Bison, but droped to the Wonder Boys of Arkansas Tech at the buzzer in a pair of home games.
The men hosted two Great American Conference games this past Thursday and Saturday as the three teams sat in a tie one-game out of the final tournament spot.
Thursday, Northwestern earned their way to a conference victory over the Harding Bison, 74-61.
Redshirt sophomore, Jack Peck, earned an NCAA career high of 18 points, but on Saturday put up a fight against the Wonder Boys with a new high of 22 points.
While facing the Bison, Northwestern hit eight three-pointers in the game.
Joining Peck, Andrew Clopton, a freshman from Fresno, Texas rallied 14 points in the contest.
Bryce Cashman collected 12 points.
Eric Andres added eight points and A.J. Jones with seven points.
Cole Jones hit his two threes for six points, and Bryshon Bryant gave the Rangers six.
Toward the end of the game, Eisley Swain found redshirt junior Hunter Frisby on the left wing for a three-pointer.
After the victory, the Rangers were back in action Saturday for a thriller game.
The Rangers fell to Arkansas Tech’s Wonder Boys 74-72 on a buzzer beater.
The Rangers shot lights out in the first half with 16-of-22 shooting for a 72.7 percent in the first 20 minutes.
Six of Northwestern’s 16 made field goals in the first were three-point baskets.
Jack Peck let no time waste as he began the game with 13 straight points for the Rangers.
Northwestern led the game going into the locker room with an 11-point lead at halftime, and just when the Rangers had the game in their control
Arkansas Tech tied the game with only 7:19 remaining.
Will Adler for the Wonder Boys put up a three to chip away the Northwestern lead.
With only 12-seconds remaining Bryce Cashman put the Rangers up with a free-throw.
However, during the final possession, the Wonder Boys were forced to shoot a contested three-pointer at the buzzer which led Arkansas Tech to their victory.
Northwestern outscored Arkansas Tech in the paint 32-18, but were outrebounded 36-32.
The Rangers move to a 5-13 overall and 3-9 in the Great American Conference this season.
They will look to come back on Thursday at Arkansas-Monticello, followed by Southern Arkansas next Saturday.