Rangers missed out on the chance to overtake Celtic as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Dundee United.
Ross Graham nodded United in front after surviving a penalty claim.
The second-half pressure was relentless and Joe Aribo was denied with a headbutt.
Amad Diallo hit the post for the visitors but there was no winner, meaning Celtic can go three points clear if they beat Dundee later.
All three sides have the same points, Thomas Courts United end the weekend fifth.
Rangers, managed by Giovanni van Bronckhorst, have yet to win an away league game.
Rangers had their calls for a penalty turned down after Charlie Mulgrew's clearance connected with Graham's outstretched arm. The visitors had a case.
Scott Arfield played in Alfredo Morelos at the end of a swift counter- attack, but he could not get a shot away.
Three Rangers players were sold a dummy by Ilmari Niskanen and were denied a goal by a James Tavernier shot.
The hosts began to win corners, which proved to be the undoing of Rangers. Graham outjumped Helander to beat Allan McGregor after Dylan Levitt crossed from the left. It was a present for the defender on his birthday.
The intensity of United was maintained in the second period.
The corner was headed towards goal by Aribo but the save was made by the Siegrist. Sakala claimed that Graham tugged his shirt as he tried to score on the rebound.
Sakala improved Rangers as an attacking threat and his two low crosses in quick succession from the right could not be converted by Morelos, Siegrist saving the second chance.
Ryan Kent escaped his man and pressed with the final delivery inches away from Morelos.
When Bassey was released by Kent, his low ball back was slammed into the net by Aribo.
Diallo almost scored when he was put through by Kent, his effort rattling the right-hand post. Ryan Jack was set up by Kent but Mulgrew saved him.
After they collided in added time, Sakala and Kent needed treatment.
Another fierce Sakala cross was about to hit the bar, and there was one more nervous moment for Siegrist.
Rangers have been a thorn in the side of the team this season, having beaten them once already this term, and Courts clearly saw an avenue from set pieces that his side exploited.
Rangers created enough chances to win, but the home side brought a lot to the game and were good value for their point.
Since the winter break, Rangers have lost points away to Aberdeen, Ross County, Celtic and Dundee United.
The fight they showed in the second half suggests they are not done with the title race.
It was a roller coaster of emotions for Thomas Courts. The breakthrough helps the game plan. The boys were very disciplined on the pitch. A draw was probably a fair result because we got a lot of luck.
Rangers are going to try and find a way back into the game in the second half with the quality that they have and the alterations that the manager made. Rangers probably deserved something when they got the breakthrough.
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst told Sky Sports that he was disappointed that they did not win. I think the most chances we created to score were. We lost points because the chances had to be scored.
VAR will make it simpler. The decisions that can be turning points, they can change the game, but there is no VAR. What can we do? There is no VAR. We have to respect the decision the referee makes because it cannot be overturned.
Rangers will play the return leg of their European tie at Ibrox on Thursday. On Saturday, Aberdeen will face off against Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.
Formation 3-6-2
12Edwards4Mulgrew29Graham2Smith23Harkes18Butcher19Levitt7NiskanenFormation 4-2-3-1.
2Tavernier6Goldson5Helander3Bassey37Arfield17Ayodele-Aribo14KentThe match ended with Rangers defeating Dundee United.
The second half ended with a score of 1, Rangers 1.
Ryan Jack (Rangers).
Dylan Levitt won a free kick in the defensive half.
Corner, Rangers. Ryan Edwards was Conceded by him.
Fashion Sakala (Rangers).
Benjamin Siegrist won a free kick in the defensive half.
An attempt was missed. Ryan Kent missed his shot from outside the box. Fashion Sakala assisted.
An attempt was missed. The shot from the left side of the box is wide to the right. Joe Ayodele-Aribo assisted.
The attempt was blocked. The left foot shot from the centre of the box is blocked by the other team. They were assisted by Alfredo Morelos.
Corner, Rangers. Ross Graham was in the match.
The attempt was blocked. James Tavernier's shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Joe Ayodele-Aribo assisted.
The attempt was blocked. James Tavernier's shot from outside the box is blocked. Amad Diallo assisted.
The attempt was blocked. The left-footed shot from the centre of the box by Alfredo Morelos is blocked. Joe Ayodele-Aribo assisted.
There is a substitution for Dundee United. Tony Watt was replaced by Nicky Clark.
Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Charlie Mulgrew.
The attempt was blocked. Ryan Jack's shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Ryan Kent assisted.
Amad Diallo hit the right post with a shot from the right side of the six yard box. Ryan Kent assisted.
It was an attempt, Rangers. Alfredo Morelos is caught off guard by a through ball byConnor Goldson.
It was an attempt, Rangers. Fashion Sakala is caught off guard when Joe Ayodele-Aribo tries a through ball.
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