ALVA – Northwestern closed out the Aaron Sales and Lease Classic with an 88-72 win over Friends (Kan.) at Percefull Fieldhouse on Saturday night, upping its record to 4-0 on the early season.

The Ranger defense prevailed in the opening half, holding Friends to 22 points, while going into the locker room with a 38-22 lead. Northwestern held the Falcons to just a single three, while hitting 13 field goals and three treys.

In the second half, Northwestern climbed to its biggest lead of the night, up 82-55 with 4:03, as a 17-6 run by Friends closed the game.

The Rangers shot 48 percent on the night. Orren Tims had a game-high of 24 points, connecting on 9-of-12 from the field. Marshall Bell had three of the Rangers’ 10 three-pointers, while finishing with 14 points. Jonathan Freemyer, who was the game’s leading rebounded with nine boards, was 7-of-8 from the free throw line and ended with 13 points. 

Northwestern (4-0) will play an exhibition game on Monday, Nov. 15 against Sam Houston State University at 7 p.m. in Huntsville, Tex.