Wilburton, Oklahoma --  The #7 Northern Oklahoma College Mavs clinched the OCAC regular season title and earned the top seed in the Region 2 Tournament with a 67-56 road win at Eastern Monday night.

NOC (18-1) improved to 14-1 in the OCAC.

The Mavs struggled the first half trailing Eastern by double digits at half 34-22.

NOC then exploded for 45 second half points earning the 11 point win.

JD Ray led the Mavs with 20 while Tyrel Morgan added 15.

"Last night was a gut check game," said coach Donnie Jackson.  "We fought through a lot of adversity and found a way to get a tough road win. Super proud of my team leaders."

Jackson said he is proud of the conference title.

"This is the first conference championship at Northern since the 2012-13 season," he added.  "We have been close several times over the years, but never quite got over the hump. It was rather fitting that we won the way we did. We had to earn the victory over Eastern to clinch the outright championship."

Morgan added 11 rebounds and six assists while Ray had nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals.  Syrus Grisby added 11 rebounds and Mark Berry added eight.

The Mavs host Seminole to complete the regular season on Thursday.

 "We still have a lot to play for. Sophomore night is on Thursday and we need to send the sophomores off the right way. We are still playing for momentum heading into the region tournament. Seminole is a good team who has a lot of talent. They have size and they have some good guards. We need to bring our best Thursday."

Mavs 67, Eastern 56

                        1     2--Total

Mavs               22   45--  67

Eastern           34   22--  56

Mavs--J. Ray 20, T. Morgan 15, S. Grisby 9, D. McLean 8, M. Berry 7, N. Goodlow 4, K. Sesberry 2, J. Wilson 2.