SENATOBIA – Led by a career-high 19 points from sophomore Alec Rayburn and a solid showing from Kendrick Fountain, Northwest rolled to a 113-89 victory against Faith Prep on Thursday night at Howard Coliseum.

The season-opening victory also provided Shane Oakley with his first career victory as the Rangers' interim head coach.

Northwest trailed early at 14-13 nearly seven minutes in, but then responded with a explosive 15-4 run over the next three minutes, capped off by Quieran Gray's three-point bucket. The quick run allowed the Rangers to take a 28-18 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining in the first half.

Although Faith Prep managed to hang around over the final stretch of the first half, the Rangers still scored 31 over the remaining 10 minutes to hold a 61-42 advantage at the break. Sophomore guard Jitaurious Gordon led Northwest with 12 first half points.

After quietly scoring eight in the first half, Rayburn caught fire in the second half, adding 11 more points and a trio of three-pointers, helping the Rangers rush out to a 77-54 lead six minutes in.

Northwest continued to own the tempo over the course of the second half and hit the century mark with seven minutes remaining, thanks to an underneath layup from Fountain, pushing the margin to 101-65.

Faith Prep refused to go away quietly, however, as the Warriors outscored the Rangers 24-11 over the final seven minute stretch to pull within 23 as the final horn sounded.

Five Rangers finished in double digits, led by Rayburn's breakout performance. Gordon totaled 17 points, followed by 16 from Fountain, 12 from Mike Robinson and 11 from Quez Williamson.

Marquise Brown totaled 23 points to lead Faith Prep, while Tairell Fletcher added 18 in the losing effort.

Northwest (1-0) will resume action on Tuesday, Nov. 6 at SAU Tech. Tipoff from Camden, Ark. is scheduled for 7 p.m.