FULTON – Sophomore DeMarcus McVay netted a season-high 28 points on 10-of-14 shooting and finished one rebound shy of a double-double as Northwest fought off Itawamba late for a big, 92-88 road win at the Davis Event Center Saturday afternoon. 

Winners in six of its last seven games, Northwest improved to 9-3 overall and 2-1 in the division. It marked just the second win in Fulton in the last seven tries. Itawamba fell to 8-7 overall and 1-3 in the north.

Northwest clinged to a four-point lead at the break, 46-42, and had to rally late in the second half down by as many as seven points.

As they have all season long, the Rangers found their way to the charity stripe where they lead the NJCAA in free throws attempted a game. Northwest hit 26-of-39 attempts on the afternoon, led by Domonique Harris who hit 9-of-12.

Nine different Rangers found the scoring column, led by DeMarcus McVay (28), Harris (17), Charles Eaton (16) and D.J. Biggs (9). As a team, Northwest shot a season-high 52 percent from the floor.

Itawamba was led by Deontaye Ewing's 23, followed by Quintin Lee with 18 points.

The biggest stat differential on the day was on the glass, where Northwest pulled down 15 offensive rebounds and had a slight edge, 36-29.

After six weeks away from Senatobia, Northwest will return to Howard Coliseum Tuesday, Jan. 22. The Rangers host Mississippi Delta (4-8, 1-2 north) at 7 p.m.

Live video at www.ihigh.com/nwccrangers and live stats at www.sidearmstats.com/northwestms/mbball.