By KENNETH IRVING
Student Reporter
The 8-9 (6-5) Rangers defeated the 9-8 (5-6) East Central Tigers by a score of 50-56 Saturday.
Brian Free and Camron McDowell each had 14 points and Chance Love had 12 points.
After winning five straight games, the Rangers found themselves on the losing ends of back-to-back games.
On a night where new and former Ranger Hall of Famers were honored, the Rangers looked to live up to their expectations and get back into the win column Saturday.
Although graduate guard Brian Free started off hot for the Rangers with back-to-back 3 pointers to start the game, it would be senior forward Chance Love’s night as he started the game off with eight points for the Rangers.
Free and Love’s scoring put the Rangers ahead 16-6, but that lead diminished quickly with a 5-0 run by the Tigers.
Redshirt sophomore guard Camron McDowell knocked down a mid-range jumper to put an end to the Tigers run.
Brian Free continued his onslaught of 3 pointers by nailing another three, and the Rangers went into the half up 29-19.
A Tiger 3-pointer and layup cut the Rangers lead to five coming out of halftime. A step back 3-pointer by the Tigers cut the Ranger lead to two points.
McDowell once again put an end to the Tigers run with back-to-back 3-pointers.
After two horrendous foul calls and an and one layup, the Tigers closed in on the Rangers’ lead.
As momentum was shifting, Coach Robbie Harman drew up the perfect play that led to a Ranger alley hoop slam to gain back the crowd’s attention.
The Tigers then drove the ball into the paint, but redshirt senior forward Larry White sent back the Tiger layup attempt.
Free sunk another 3-pointer to increase the Ranger lead to eight points, and Percefull Fieldhouse was rocking.
The Tigers scored back-to-back buckets, and after a Ranger turnover, they were within two points with 36.6 remaining.
The Tigers then sent the Rangers to the free throw line, the Rangers made them all, which ended the night with a perfect 17-17 at the line.
Playmakers:
Camron McDowell —14 pts./269 for the season
Brian Free —14 pts./238 for the season
Chance Love —2 pts./115 for the season.
