ALVA, Okla. - The Northwestern Oklahoma State men's basketball team made a late push at Lubbock Christian but fell just short 76-73 in a pivotal Sooner Athletic Conference game at Percefull Fieldhouse on Thursday evening.

The Chaparrals came in to today's game a half game behind the Rangers in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings.

The Rangers were down double-digit points in the closing minutes but poor free throw shooting by the Chaparrals allowed the Rangers back in the game.

After the Rangers cut the lead to three with under 30 seconds left, Andrew Brown's team put the pressure on Lubbock Christian's inbounder. Freemyer and bell forced a turnover on the pass with Freemyer getting to the loose ball. The junior picked the ball up laid it in the hoop and was fouled on the play. He was unable to convert on the free throw to tie the game.

After a foul, the Chaparrals hit one of two free throws to make it a two-point game. The Rangers had one more possession to either tie or win the game but were unable to complete the comeback. The Rangers fouled and, after a missed free throw, Freemyer heaved a prayer at the buzzer that fell short.

Freemyer and Daryl Glover each scored 16 points to lead the Rangers (10-12, 7-8 SAC) while Eze Akwari added 14. Marshall Bell finished with 13 and nailed four triples. Akwari finished with a team-high nine rebounds.

Be sure to follow the Rangers on Twitter (NWOSUAthletics) and Facebook (Northwestern Oklahoma State University Athletics).

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