By OAKLEE FIELDER
Sports Editor
The NWOSU men’s basketball team had their first games of the season against MIAA teams the Northeastern State Riverhawks and the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos.
Last year, the Rangers ended the season in third place in the GAC standings out of the twelve schools. The Northeastern State Riverhawks finished in 12th out of 14, and the UCO Bronchos finished in sixth in the MIAA conference.
Rangers 90, N. Eastern 86
The NWOSU Ranger’s season opener was on Nov. 8 against the NSU Riverhawks in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. In the first half, the Rangers ended up down by 7, the Riverhawks were able to score 49 points against the Ranger’s 42.
NWOSU only had two 3-pointers against NSU with six 3-points. Cam McDowell and Justin Norris scored the 3-points for NWOSU in the first half.
In the second quarter, NWOSU generated a comeback and were able to defeat the Riverhawks in the final minutes of the game. The Rangers outscored NSU 48-37 in the second half and beat the Riverhawks while on the road.
Max Alexander led the Rangers in scoring with thirty-four points and two 3-points. Justin Norris also had two 3-points and had 12 points for the team.
Rangers 77, UCO 92
The Ranger’s second game was on Nov. 9 against the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos. The first half started with a beatdown from the Bronchos. The score at the half was 37-54.
The Rangers seemed to have a lot of work to do headed into the second half, not scoring until six minutes into the game with a layup by Alexander.
NWOSU headed into the second half hoping to generate some sort of momentum trying to dig themselves out of the 17-point hole and start a comeback. And that is exactly what they did.
They were able to get something going and outscored the Bronchos. Unfortunately, it was not near enough. They only outscored them 40-38, making the end score against UCO 77-92.
Alexander led the Rangers in scoring once again, but only scoring 28 points. Camron McDowell scored four 3-points against the Bronchos, with 20 points himself.
Rangers 99, Barclay 70
This week on Tuesday, NWOSU faced Barclay College in the home opener for the 2024-2025 season. The Rangers were able to defeat the Bears 99-70 after two halves of play.
The first half was majorly in favor of the Rangers. They outscored Barclay College 60-34. Fifteen of the points for the Rangers were off turnovers. NWOSU made 10 3-pointers and 21 field goals.
In the second half, the Rangers outscored the Bears 39-36 to take the decisive victory in the first home game of the season 99-70. McDowell led the Rangers in scoring against Barclay College with 31 points and five 3-pointers. Alexander was second in scoring for NWOSU with 21 points. Justin Norris had three 3-pointers, the second most of the Rangers.
Max Alexander, a red-shirt sophomore from McPherson, Kansas, was named Great American Conference player of the week for his performances.
