SENATOBIA – Sophomore DeMarcus McVay posted his eighth double-double of the year with 16 points and 13 rebounds and hit the go-ahead jumper with 39 seconds left to help lift Northwest to a thrilling, 80-76 win over the rival Northeast Tigers Monday night at Howard Coliseum. | Final Box | Watch Replay

Northwest got revenge from a loss in Booneville back on Dec. 3 and held off a gritty Northeast team who matched the Rangers punch for punch down to the final seconds.

Northwest improved to 13-4 overall and 6-2 in the north division to take over sole possession of first. Northeast dropped to 8-9 overall and to 3-5 in league action.

The Rangers led by as many as seven in the first half, but Northeast rallied to tie the game at 41-41 at the break behind 45 percent shooting.

Northeast opened the second half with six straight points to take its largest lead of the game at 47-41, but Northwest quickly countered with a barrage of 3-pointers as part of a 19-4 run to take a 60-51 lead with 14:32 to play.

Dajon Reno hit three 3s on the night and was one of seven Rangers that combined for a season-high 11 from beyond the arc. Tristan Moore and Kenyatta Jones added two apiece.

Northeast fought back to tie the game five times in the final 8 minutes and took a 76-74 lead after a pair of free throws from Ladarius Waits with 2:30 to play.

McVay's two free throws two possessions later tied the game at 76-all before the sophomore hit a leaning jumper off a Tr. Moore assist for the go-ahead basket with 39 seconds left for the win.

Northwest was outrebounded 50-42 on the night but tied a season-high with 11 blocks. 

Behind McVay's double-double, Reno scored 11 points off the bench, Domonique Harris added nine and Tr. Moore and Tevin Moore finished with eight apiece. D.J. Biggs and Rashon Coleman closed with five assists each.

Northeast was led by 19 points and nine rebounds from KeDorian Sullivan and Tyler Brunson's 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.  

The Rangers return to action Thursday night against Itawamba. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. in Senatobia. Fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness for our annual PinkZone game.

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