The 4th ranked Northern Oklahoma College Mavericks remained undefeated with a 74-60 win over NEO Monday night at Foster-Piper Fieldhouse.
The Mavs (11-0) were led by JD Ray with 16 points while Dylan McLean added 14 off the Mavs bench.
NOC (6-0) remained unbeaten in Region 2 with the 14 point win.
"Anytime you can beat NEO it is a good win," said coach Donnie Jackson. "They are reigning back to back conference champions and every time we play them, it is always an intense game. I thought our guys did a great job defensively and sustained the effort it takes to win tough games."
"I thought Dylan (McLean) and Kevin (Sesberry) played good games. Both gave us a big spark off the bench. If they can play more consistently, they can be X-Factors down the stretch."
The Mavs built a double figure first half lead and led 42-28 at half but could never shake the Norse. NEO cut a 15-point second half lead to 65-55 with 1:57 left but the Mavs remained in control.
Tyrel Morgan led the Mavs with 10 rebounds and seven assists while Ray had four steals.
The Mavs are in Enid Thursday for the second of two with the Jets. The Mavs were 74-62 winners earlier this season.
"We have a monster road game at Enid on Thursday," Jackson said. "They are the best shooting team in our conference and they are extremely tough at home. We will have our hands full. We need to be ready to guard for 40+ minutes if we want any chance to win."
Mavs 74, NEO 60
1 2—Total
NEO 28 32-- 60
NOC 42 32-- 74
NOC—J. Ray 16, D. McLean 14, A. Lederer 9, S. Grisby 9, T. Morgan 7, K. Sesberry 7, N. Goodlow 6, M. Crawford 4, J. Wilson 2.