SENATOBIA – Visiting Columbia State got a game-high 19 points from Kelva Atkins and held Northwest to a season-low 30 percent shooting as they knocked off the Lady Rangers Tuesday night, 71-62.

Columbia State improved to 8-4 while Northwest dropped its third-straight to fall to 6-4.

The game was tied twice the opening eight minutes, at 2-2 and 12-2, but the Lady Chargers retook the lead on six-straight points from Atkins as part of a 21-6 run and never trailed the rest of the way.

Northwest battled back from a game-high 15 point deficit late in the first half, cutting the Columbia State lead to 37-30 at the half.

The Lady Chargers quickly stretched their lead back out to double figures the opening 2 minutes of the second half and controlled the last half of the game to take the road victory.

Columbia State outshot Northwest 37 to 30 percent on the night, and also won the rebound battle 57-54.

Northwest was paced by Monique Biggins' seventh double-double of the season with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Brittany Patton, earning her first start of the year, followed with 15 points and nine rebounds. Erica Turner also added seven points, seven boards and three blocks.

The Lady Rangers will continue a three-game homestand to open 2012 on Thursday, welcoming Arkansas Baptist (10-8) to Howard Coliseum for a 5 p.m. tipoff. Live stats (follow here) and live video (watch here) will be available for fans.