SCOOBA – The Northwest Lady Ranger basketball team dropped their second-straight game to open conference play on Monday night, falling 71-56 at East Mississippi behind a pair of 20-point efforts from Chadisty Hickman and Alvida Clemons.

EMCC improved to 2-6 overall and 1-1 in north division play while Northwest fell to 6-3 and 0-2.

In a tightly contested game the opening 20 minutes that saw eight ties and five lead changes, EMCC took a 33-31 lead into the half. 

Bridgette Griffin scored the opening basket of the second half and Monique Biggins added a free throw minutes later to put Northwest back in front, 34-33, but it would be the last lead of the night for the Lady Rangers.

Brianna May's 3-pointer seconds later helped EMCC regain the lead, jumpstarting a 27-9 run the ensuing 9:15 that turned a one-point deficit into a commanding 60-43 lead.

Northwest would outscore the Lady Lions 13-11 down the stretch, with reserves Jearica McBride, Domonique Early and Sara Waldrip all contributing baskets.

Biggins poured in her third consecutive double-double and sixth in nine games with 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Lady Rangers, followed by 13 points from Erica Turner and 11 points, five assists and three blocks from Shaquilla Isom.

EMCC outshot Northwest 45 to 31 percent on the night and pulled down 10 more rebounds. Led by Clemons' 23 points and nine from Jeraldine Campbell, the Lady Lions scored 38 points off the bench to Northwest's 10.

Northwest will enjoy a 36-day break before returning to the hardwood against non-conference foe Columbia State on Jan. 10 in Senatobia. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. from Howard Coliseum.