SENATOBIA – Northwest had five scorers in double figures, including a career-high 34 points from sophomore Dante Sterling, but it wasn't enough as the visiting Arkansas Baptist Buffaloes pulled away late for a 117-106 win Monday night.

Northwest dropped its first game of the season to fall to 4-1, while ABC improved to 5-2.

ABC hit eight of its first 10 shots to take an early 22-13 lead, with Anthony Black hitting a trio of threes for nine of his game-high 36 points.

Northwest fought back to within a basket with 36 ticks left in the half on Brandon Cranford's 3-pointer but ABC immediately responded on the other end with a three from Darius Elliott to take a 59-53 lead into half.

The lead quickly grew back to double digits in the second, with Harold Cardwell scoring 14 of his 21 points.

Northwest never got within nine the final 16 minutes as ABC was able to pull away for the road win. 

Sterling did all he could to keep the Rangers in the game, scoring 22 of his 34 in the first half. He finished the night 10-of-19 from the field with eight 3-pointers.

Four other Rangers scored in double figures, including Keelin Jackson (18), Therrell Gosier II (17), Dakota Dailey (11) and Alex Shepard (11). 

ABC was on fire all night from the floor, finishing the night at a 58 percent clip against 45 percent shooting for the Rangers.

Five Buffaloes finished in double figures, led by 36 from Black and 21 points, seven boards and five assists from Cardwell.

Northwest will continue an eight-game homestand on Thursday against Tennessee Prep. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.