CLINTON – Two-time reigning MACJC Champions and 5th-ranked Jones County built a 27-point halftime lead and never looked back as they ended Northwest's season, 77-55, Wednesday afternoon in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament Quarterfinals. 

The Lady Rangers ended the year 13-11 overall, while JCJC won its eighth straight game to improve to 24-3.

Tied 3-3 early on an Abbreanna Miller free throw and Chrissah Shaw layup, JCJC scored 11 of the next 15 points to take control, 14-7, in the opening quarter.

It was all Lady Bobcats in the second quarter, outscoring Northwest 21-4 to take a 44-17 lead into the half.

Northwest was held to 23 percent shooting on 6-of-26 field goals, while JCJC shot 42 percent.

Trailing by as much as 36 with under eight minutes to play in the game, a late 3-point shooting surge from Shelbi Buford (4-for-6) and Emily Bush (1-for-1) helped Northwest close the final gap to 77-55.

Buford had a team-high 12 points, followed by Shaw with 11 and Miller with eight points and eight boards.

JCJC had five scorers in double figures, led by Nique Cherry's 11 points and 13 rebounds.