SENATOBIA – Northwest shot a season-high 59 percent from the floor and had four of its five starters in double figures as they picked up an 81-64 win over East Mississippi Thursday night. | Box Score

Northwest improved to 13-3 overall and 4-1 in the north division with the win, its 11th double figure victory of the season. EMCC fell to 3-13 overall and to 1-4 in the division.

Despite being outrebounded 53-28, Northwest used its defensive pressure to force 29 Lady Lion turnovers that turned into a season-high 34 fastbreak points. Northwest also pounded the ball inside all night in scoring 54 of its 81 points in the paint.

Bethany Lytle scored 11 first half points in 11 minutes and the Lady Rangers held EMCC to just 8 of 33 shooting in the opening 20 minutes to take a 42-25 lead at the half.

Northwest's hot shooting continued into the second half as they hit 18 of 30 attempts and used 13 points from Monique Biggins and 10 from Shaquilla Isom.

EMCC rallied to pull within 61-50 with 8:35 remaining thanks to 16 second half points from Wilma Davis, but couldn't get any closer down the stretch due to Northwest hitting nine of its final 12 shots.

Northwest never trailed in the game and led by as many as 20 with 16:12 to play.

Biggins led all scorers with a season-high 19 points on 9 of 11 shooting, followed by 16 from Isom, 14 from Nikki McChristian and 13 from B. Lytle. Four Lady Rangers finished with four or more assists.

EMCC was paced by 18 points and 10 boards from Davis and 12 points each from Janay Townsel and Dajah McCarty. The Lady Lions also picked up an impressive 28 offensive rebounds.

The Lady Rangers will hit the road next week, opening at Holmes (6-9, 1-3 north) on Jan. 28 at 6 p.m.

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