OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City got its most impressive win of the season, surprising No. 5 Langston on Thursday, 61-58.
 
It was OCU's first game back since mid-December and the Stars made the defensive stops and got the timely baskets.
 
"Ideally, we would've played a non-conference game before this," said OCU Head Coach Sam Kohnke. "We don't make excuses. We just came out, battled and made it happen. Langston is the No. 5 team in the nation for a reason, and it was gritty and tough, but our guys were tough-nosed and up to the challenge."
 
For as tight as the game was throughout, there were only four lead changes the Lions had the upper hand for just 80 seconds.
 
That last Langston lead saw the Lions up 49-48 with 8:35 to play in the game. Jonas Carlisle fed Jack McWilliams for the go-ahead basket and then added a three-pointer for a 53-49 lead with 7:28 remaining.
 
From there, the Stars answered every threat with Beau Tranter casually sinking a pair of free throws for a 55-53 lead with 4:40 to go. Langston challenged again, narrowing the gap to 59-58 on the three-point play with 1:36 remaining. Both teams stiffened on defense and eventually the Lions had to foul. Brian Alexander knocked down both clutch free throws with 11 seconds remaining in the game for a 61-58 lead. That turned out to be the final margin as LU missed a three-pointer and Alexander gathered the rebound to preserve the win.
 
Alexander had 17 points and seven rebounds while Carlisle added 14 points and six assists. Alphonse Muteba was big with 10 rebounds and six blocked shots to go with his eight points.
 
The win deadlocked OCU and Langston in second place at 7-2 in the Sooner Athletic Conference with Nelson in first at 7-1.
 
The Stars get back to action on Saturday, visiting Central Christian at 4 p.m.