Box Score SENATOBIA – In a well-played basketball game from both sides on Monday night at Howard Coliseum, Northwest used four starters in double figures and held off a late Holmes rally to defeat the Bulldogs 85-79.

Northwest improved to 8-7 overall and 4-2 in the north division, holding on to a slight lead for second place over East Mississippi. Holmes fell to 10-6 overall and 2-3 in the north.

In a game that featured 10 ties and six lead changes, Holmes led by as many as five at the 12:15-mark of the first and the Rangers held an 8-point lead at the 2:08-mark of the second. 

Northwest held a slight advantage the opening 5 minutes of the game until Holmes tied the game at 17-all and took its first lead seconds later as part of an 11-2 run. 

The Rangers led 44-40 at the half after shooting 50 percent against 48 for the Bulldogs.

After Holmes tied it at 48-all early in the second half, a barrage of 3-pointers from Tristan Moore and Rashon Coleman pushed the Ranger lead to 54-48 with 14:48 to play.   

Holmes went on a 9-2 run over the ensuing 2:23 to take its lone lead of the second half, 57-56, and pulled ahead thanks to four consecutive free throws from Tamarico Wilson. Moore was whistled for a blocking foul when he was clearly set for several seconds, and Northwest head coach Bubba Skelton was hit with a technical foul which led to the extra two shots.

Tied again at 68-all, Northwest pulled ahead for good at the 6:41-mark. Moore hit a layup and ensuing free throw on a foul and the Rangers would go on to hit 10 of their final 12 free shots to seal the win. 

Moore tied a career-high with 26 points on 8 of 13 shooting, followed by Sharwyn McGee with 17 points and 10 rebounds, De'Sean Dockery with 14 and Rashon Coleman with 10 points and five assists.

Holmes was paced by Wilson with 17 points and Jarvis Williams and Marcus Washington with 11 apiece.

Northwest will return to action on Thursday, Jan. 30 when they play host to Coahoma (5-11, 3-3 north).