UTICA – Despite a late run over the final three minutes and a shot at the buzzer for the win, Northwest dropped its first game of the season Thursday night at Hinds, 62-61. 

Hinds picked up its first win of the season to improve to 1-2 while Northwest dropped to 2-1.

Northwest opened with the game's first basket from Kendrick Moore, but would trail the ensuing 15 minutes as Hinds built out an 8-point lead.

The Rangers pulled back in front momentarily 30-29 at the 3:15-mark with a 10-2 run, capped by back-to-back 3-pointers from Tevin Moore and basket from Darius Woods. But an 8-0 run to end the first half for Hinds gave the home team a 37-30 lead at the break.

Hinds would stay in front by 3-6 points the opening 10 minutes of the second half until the Rangers rallied to tie the game and then took a 48-47 lead on two consecutive free throws from Chris Kelley.

The Bulldogs responded with two free throws from Matthew Hurn a possession later to retake the lead at 49-48 and held on down the stretch for a one-point win.

Northwest closed the final 3:15 on a 9-1 run, sinking 6 of 8 free throws and forcing three turnovers, and got two good looks at the basket the final 9 seconds for a chance to win.

Trailing 62-61, Kelley's drive to the basket with 5 seconds left was swatted away by Malculm Harper that left one second. On the ensuing inbounds pass after a pair of Ranger timeouts, A.J. Cunningham launched a desperation 3-pointer that went long on left off the back iron, ending the exciting comeback opportunity.

Trevis Thomas led all scorers with 22 points for Hinds (15 in the first half) while T. Moore had a team-high 16 points and five rebounds for Northwest. K. Moore chipped in nine points and DeMarcus McVay added seven points and seven boards off the bench.

Northwest will continue a five-game road swing next Thursday, traveling to Wesson for an 8 p.m. tipoff against Copiah-Lincoln (0-2) inside Mullen Gymnasium.

Fans can follow live stats here: www.sidearmstats.com/northwestms/mbball/index.htm