SENATOBIA – Trailing by five at the half, Northwest's second half adjustments saw the Rangers outscore EMCC by 16 and force 15 turnovers to rally for a 78-67 division-opening win over the Lions Monday night at Howard Coliseum.

Northwest stayed perfect at home at 5-0 and improved to 8-1 overall, while EMCC dropped to 5-2.

Tremont Robinson scored 15 of his game-high 19 points in the second half on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting and picked up five big steals that led to easy transition buckets.

Down 46-38 with 17:59 to play, Robinson and Justin Flakes combined to score 12 straight points as part of a game-changing 14-0 run to put the Rangers up by six.

EMCC rallied back within 54-53 on a Dewayne Cox layup before Northwest responded with a 12-3 run to pull ahead by 10 with 8:53 to play. 

The teams exchanged baskets over the final eight-plus minutes, and EMCC got as close as 66-63, before Northwest closed out the double digit win. 

Northwest held EMCC to 33 percent shooting in the second half and forced 29 turnovers on the night that led to easy transition baskets. Bench points and points in the paint were deadlocked.

Robinson scored 19 to lead the Rangers and added eight steals and four assists in 24 minutes. Radarius Washington and Therrell Gosier II had 10 points apiece. Four Lions finished in double figures, led by Ill'yan Scott with 13.

Northwest will enjoy a lengthy Christmas break and will return to the hardwood on Tuesday, Jan. 9 against Arkansas Baptist.