By MEGAN MAHARRY
Sports Reporter
The Ranger men’s basketball team finished their regular season games with two victories on the road against East Central University and Southeastern Oklahoma State.
With these two victories, the men secure a spot in the Great American Conference tournament.
The men defeated ECU 67-66, claiming their 20th win of the season. The Rangers trailed by as many as 14 points in the second half before coming back to take the victory.
The Rangers shot for 41.5 percent, 22-of-35 from the floor, and out rebounding ECU by 35-to-31. The men also collected 11 steals during the game.
Senior Brandon Green led the Rangers with 23 points, going 11-of-14 from the free throw line. Junior Treyvon Andres recorded a double-double. He had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Senior Greg Minor Jr. had eight points on the night.
The Rangers turned around to face Southeastern and claimed their ninth straight win with a score of 77-74.
The score was close throughout the entire game. The game was tied at 74 all with only 50 seconds left. A jumper made by Andres and a free throw made by Minor Jr. within the final seconds gave the Rangers the victory.
The Rangers shot 55.6 percent, going 30-of-54 from the field, and went 5-of-13 from the three-point line.
Andres had 15 points and six rebounds in the game. Seniors Trey Johnson and Cody Halvorson both had 13 points.
The Rangers finish their regular season 21-6 overall and 17-5 in conference play. The men will now turn their attention to prepare for the GAC tournament in which they face Southern Arkansas first.
Head Coach Shawn Dirden said he and his team are excited about their regular season success, but also understand there is more work to be done.
“We started the school year and season off working on trusting each other, giving 100% effort, and holding ourselves accountable and this is what we will continue to focus on in the postseason GAC tournament,” Dirden said.
Dirden said it will be the third time to face SAU. While the men have beaten SAU twice, Dirden said they are not taking anything for granted as SAU is a talented team. He said his team must play hard basketball the entire game.
Dirden said he wants to see his players continue to rely on each other and push to reach the rest of the goals they have set for the season.
He and his team will face Southern Arkansas on March 1.
“We are super proud to represent the fans and Ranger Nation,” Dirden said.
