GOODMAN – Daryl Macon tied a career-high with 32 points and Holmes led for all but 1:06 Thursday night in a 90-66 win over Northwest in the north division opener for both teams.

Holmes improved to 5-4 overall (1-0 north) while Northwest dropped to 6-3 (0-1 north). The teams have split the last 16 meetings.

The Bulldogs set the tone in the game's first 5 minutes, jumping out to a 16-3 lead after hitting 7-of-12 shots.

Northwest fought back to within five, 21-16, with a 13-5 run of its own, but Holmes closed the half hitting its final five shots to take a commanding 18-point lead at 51-33.

Holmes shot 52 percent in the opening 20 minutes against 35 percent shooting for Northwest.

Macon had 18 of his game-high 32 in the first half in addition to six rebounds and four assists.

The Bulldogs' lead grew to as many as 26 with 9:54 to play and they cruised to their first division win.

De'Sean Dockery was the lone Ranger in double figures with 10 points, while LaJustin Anderson and Kieth Broome Jr. each added nine points.

Northwest will try and bounce back Monday night in Senatobia as they welcome the reigning state champion Itawamba Indians (4-4, 1-0) to Howard Coliseum for a 7 p.m. tipoff.

Live video (www.njcaatv.com/nwccrangers) and live stats (www.sidearmstats.com/northwestms/mbball) will be available.