SENATOBIA – The visiting Faith Prep Warriors gave the host Rangers all they could handle Thursday night at Howard Coliseum before Northwest was able to pull away in the game's final nine minutes for a 111-93 win. 

Northwest improved to 2-0 on the young season, going over the century mark in both games to start a season for the first time since 2000-01 (NJCAA Elite Eight). Faith Prep fell to 1-2 with the loss.

Northwest held a small lead for the game's opening seven minutes before FPA rallied behind a strong contingency of its fans and took a 25-19 lead thanks to a 13-3 run.

After back-to-back Ranger turnovers, Kevin Hunt Jr. banged in a pair of 3-pointers and Elijah Hobbs also connected from deep to kick start the run.

FPA led for the ensuing 4:01 until an 11-1 Northwest run put the Rangers back on top 36-31 with 6:46 to play in the half. Shelby McEwen was the spark to start the run, getting a tough and-one at the rim, followed by a breakaway dunk and 3-pointer to cap the run. 

The teams traded baskets to close the period, with Jaylan Shelton's 3-pointer giving the Rangers a 54-52 lead at the break.

FPA shot a sizzling 60 percent in the half against 41 percent for Northwest. Eight different Rangers scored in the half, led by Dakota Dailey's 11 and 10 from Raekwon Bush. 

Northwest opened the second half on a 13-3 run to extend its lead to 67-55, with Isaiah Austin scoring the first six for the Rangers.

The Warriors quickly responded, however, with an 8-0 run to pull the deficit within 67-63, taking advantage of four Northwest turnovers.

FPA got within double digits only once the final 8:55 as Northwest was able to pull away late thanks to solid shooting at the free throw line. The Rangers converted on 41-of-49 from the charity stripe on the evening, including making 20 of their final 21.

Dailey scored 15 of his career-high 26 points in the second half, making 17-of-18 attempts from the line. Austin and McEwen finished with 13 points apiece in addition to Therrell Gosier II with 11 points and seven rebounds and Bush with 10 points and seven boards. 

Kevin Hunt Jr. kept the Warriors in the game most of the night, finishing with a team-high 21 off the bench. Jalan Roberson pumped in 18, followed by Logan Willett with 16 and Curtis Reeder with 14.

Northwest owned a 57-37 edge on the boards, 23 offensive, to outscore FPA 30-9 in second chance points.

Northwest will continue an eight-game homestand to open the season at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7 against ASU Mid-South.