McCall and Smith help Ranger shoot down Highlanders

Ranger played host to McLennan Wednesday night with the winner gaining sole-possession of second place in the north conference. A tight low scoring game early turned quickly in the Rangers favor. With just over eight minutes to play in the opening half, the game was starting to slip away from the Highlanders and RC quickly made sure they wouldn't turn the tide. The ensuing 14 minutes of game time saw the Rangers push a 19-8 lead all the way out to 59-34 and McLennan never got the lead below 20 again on the way to an 84-63 loss. In its last two home victories against Weatherford and MCC, Ranger has won by a combined 47 points.

DECIDING MOMENTS 

Caleb Smith and Royce Hunter got the shooting exhibition started when they hit consecutive long balls to push the lead to 17-8. Hunter followed with another to make it 22-10. Keeping the three-point theme rolling, Devonte Patterson converted an and-one that gave RC a 13-point lead with just under eight minutes in the half. Smith closed the half with a pair of three balls as Ranger went up 35-16 late in the opening period. 

Jabri McCall took over the opening minutes of the second half and made it a long night for the Highlanders. He personally added 13 points to the scoreboard with the combination of three, 3-pointers and a pair of layups one coming off a steal and one of the circus variety. Throw in a Keyshaad Dixon triple and Ranger led 61-34 with less than six minutes gone by in the final half.

POSTSEASON POSITIONING 

Just like the win by the women did, the Ranger men's victory vaulted them over McLennan in the standings and into second place only behind Collin County. RC took away the Highlanders tiebreaking advantage evening the season series at 1-1.

BREAKING OUT OF THE BOX SCORE

McCall knocked down four triples on the way to a team-high 23.

Patterson added 19.

Smith hit a trio of threes helping to account for his 13 points and Jahmel Bodrick came off the bench to score 12.

SCHEDULE SAYS

Following back-to-back home games, RC in back on the road Saturday to face Hill College who at 3-3 in conference play and on the outside looking in at the regional tournament.