ALVA, Okla. – The Northwestern men’s basketball team received their first loss of the season after Central Methodist (Mo.) downed the Rangers 79-76 at Percefull Fieldhouse in the final game of the 2008 Northwestern/Champs Basketball Classic.

Northwestern shot 46 percent and led by as much as 14 points in the first half, before letting the Eagles close the final minute out holding a lead.

Brandon Dixon was 8-of-9 from the field and finished with a team-high of 18 points. Catrell Currie hit five three’s on his way to 17 points, as Brandon Brown recorded 14 points. Dixon led the way with 18 boards.

Central Methodist shot 47 percent and was led by Jeff Blauvelt, who had 23 points.

Northwestern (3-1) will next play in the Las Vegas Classic against Concordia (Calif.) at 8 p.m. on Friday, November 14.