SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Wisconsin-Parkside Rangers went 12 for 22 from three-point range as they handed the Drury Panthers their first home loss of the season, 75-65, at the O’Reilly Family Event Center.
The Rangers improved to 11-1 and 3-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference while 12th ranked Drury dropped to 10-2 and 3-1 in the GLVC. It marks Drury’s first loss at home in 10 games at the O’ this season.
UW-Parkside shot 51 percent from the field in the game in addition to hitting 12 of their 22 three-point attempts. The Rangers entered the game ranked fourth nationally in field goal percentage and their three-point shooting ranks second in NCAA-II.
GAME PHOTOS: DRURY VS. PARKSIDE
“We got a lesson tonight. Hats off Parkside as they played really well,” said Drury head coach Steve Hesser. “We cut their lead to five (57-52 with 7:17 remaining) and before you could turn around three times, it was back to 10. We didn’t defend and then took a couple of questionable shots in that period and gave them some open opportunities.”
Rangers guard Alexander Brown led all scorers with 27 points going 9 for 13 from the floor and 5 for 7 from behind the three-point line. Jake Verhagen added 18 points and hit six three’s for UW-Parkside.
Isaac Johnson led Drury with 16 points on 6 for 8 shooting and was 4 for 6 from three-point range.
The Panthers are home again on Saturday when they host defending conference champion Lewis. Tipoff is at 3 p.m. in the O’Reilly Family Event Center. Tickets can be ordered by calling 417-873-6389.
