ALVA, Okla. – The Ouachita men's basketball team kept its early season momentum rolling Thursday night, earning a seventh straight win in a 78-64 road victory over Northwestern Oklahoma State at Percefull Fieldhouse.

The Tigers held the Rangers to 20-for-57 35% shooting from the floor and just 3-for-14 from deep. Ouachita ranks second nationally among Division II programs in scoring defense and defensive field goal percentage. 

Ouachita wasted little time improving on its double-digit lead after the break as senior guard PJ Neal forced his way through the lane to sink a turnaround jumper. Neal punished the Rangers inside and finished through contact for a traditional three-point play. The Tigers never allowed Northwestern Oklahoma State to get closer than eight points the rest of the way.

Ouachita outscored NWOSU 40-28 inside the paint, which proved to be the difference. It constantly took four seconds for Ouachita to remind the Rangers why the Tigers have been so difficult to slow down during their winning streak. Northwestern Oklahoma State leaned on Max Alexander to stay within striking distance as he knocked down all 10 attempts at the free-throw line, finishing with a game-high 25 points. 

Sophomore guard Crew Flowers kept the flurry flowing, using a pump fake to get his opponent off balance before burying a three from the right wing to make it 52-41. Moments later, Neal secured a long rebound and fired a bounce pass ahead to graduate senior guard Devon Hancock to ignite a fast-break sequence that demonstrated Ouachita's relentless push upcourt. Hancock buried a second-chance three from the right corner, then followed by flushing a two-handed jam, while drawing a foul to complete the scoring surge. 

Hancock led Ouachita scoring 21 points, including a perfect 9-for-9 performance at the free-throw line. Neal added 17 points on efficient shooting inside, while freshman Jaxon Conley chipped in 18 points and eight rebounds. The Tigers' largest lead reached 18 points midway through the second half as Conley finished the fast break with a layup. Ouachita also capitalized on extra opportunities, outscoring Northwestern Oklahoma State 14-7 in second-chance points. With the double-digit victory, Ouachita (11-2, 7-0 GAC) continued its strong conference start and showcased how the league's best defense continues to shut down opponents. 

Ouachita continues its road trip on Saturday with a men's and women's basketball double-header at Southwestern Oklahoma State. The men's game is scheduled to tip-off at 3 p.m.