MOORHEAD – The homestanding Mississippi Delta Trojans jumped out to a 16-0 lead in the first 5 minutes and managed to hold off several Northwest runs late to hold on for a 78-72 win Monday night at J.T. Hall Coliseum.

Delta improved to 11-9 overall and 3-6 in the division while Northwest dropped to 14-7 overall and 6-4 in the north. The teams split the season series, with both teams holding serve on their respective home courts.

The Trojans connected on seven of their first 13 shots and knocked the Rangers back on their heels with a 16-point deficit.

Chris Cooper's 3-pointer put the Rangers on the board at the 14:35-mark and the freshman would stay hot with 13 first-half points and game-high 18 on the night.

After Delta increased its lead to 17 points minutes later, Northwest would close the half outscoring the Trojans 28-18 to pull within 40-33 at the half.

Delta quickly stretched its lead back out to double figures to start the second half, getting the ball to the rim and scoring several contested baskets. The Trojans would end the night with a 44-20 edge in points in the paint.

Trailing 53-40 with 13:29 to play, Tyrin Jones' clutch 3-pointer started a 13-2 run that pulled the Rangers within 55-53. Jones had six points during the stretch and Lewis Freeman's two free throws capped the run.

Travon Harper then took over for Delta down the stretch with nine points in a three minute span. He finished with a team-high 17 on the night, 11 of them in the second half.

Northwest made its presence felt at the free throw line in the game's final 10 minutes, with Freeman's pair with 51 ticks left making it a 73-69 game. But the Rangers would get no closer as Willie Brunson helped close it out for Delta.

Cooper was one of three Rangers in double figures with 18, followed by Seth LeDay with 14 points and eight rebounds and 11 from Freeman in his second career start in place of Dre'Kalo Clayton (illness). Four Trojans finished in double figures.

Northwest will wrap up its regular season home slate on Thursday against Coahoma. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.