ALTUS, Oklahoma --  The NOC Mavs clinched third place in the OCAC with a 69-66 win over Western at Altus Thursday.

The Mavs fell behind the Pioneers 10-0 and had to battle their way back all night.

"We found a way last night," said coach Donnie Jackson.  "We dug ourselves an early hole but chipped away to put ourselves in a position to make a run in the second half.  Khobe (Austin-Johnson) hit some big shots to keep us in it."

The sophomore guard from Tulsa led the Mavs with 20 points hitting five 3-pointers.  He also had seven rebounds and five steals.

Deon Berrien had 16 points and 12 rebounds and Keiodre Perry added 10.

"We guarded well in the second half and were able to push the lead to 10 points with 6:00 left," Jackson added.  "Western made a late run but we never relinquished the lead."

NOC trailed 34-29 at half 

NOC (19-11) improved to 10-6 in league play and will be the third seed behind NEO and Connors.

NOC opens Region 2 Tournament play Wednesday at Shawnee.  The brackets will be released later on Friday.

"It's all about surviving and advancing in the playoffs," Jackson added.

Mavs 69, Western 66

                     1   2--Total

Mavs             29 40-- 69

Western        34 32-- 66

Mavs--K. Austin-Johnson 20, D. Berrien 16, K. Perry 10, D. Bankston 8,O. Boone 7, M. Downing 6, B. Tanner 2.