WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. – Adjustments made by interim head coach
Shane Oakley at halftime paid off as Northwest rallied from a 14-point deficit with perhaps its most impressive 20-minute showing all year to run away from ASU Mid-South for a 77-65 win Monday night at The Dog House.
Northwest improved to 10-6 on the season, returning the favor on the Greyhounds' home court after a 71-70 loss in Senatobia on Nov. 12. ASU Mid-South fell to 13-6 on the year.
The Greyhounds came out firing in the opening half, scoring the game's first seven points and building their lead to 37-23 with 3:25 to play.
Northwest started to gain a little momentum towards the end of the half, with
Nick Edwards,
Jitaurious Gordon and
Quieran Gray all scoring baskets to help the Rangers end on an 8-3 run to pull within nine.
Quez Williamson and
Ernest Minton both started to heat up in the second half, with the freshman duo combining to shoot 8-of-8 from the floor for 24 points.
Trailing by double digits still with 15:45 to play, Northwest's defense took over and turned to offense on the other end.
A 13-2 run got the Rangers within 50-49 with 10:57 to play, as Williamson connected on one of his four second half 3-pointers.
Northwest then took its first lead of the night, 56-54, on another Williamson 3-pointer with 7:47 left.
From there, it was all Rangers. A monster 19-2 run put the game out of reach and gave Northwest its biggest lead at 75-58.
Northwest shot a ridiculous 69 percent in the second half, hitting 18-of-26 shots, while holding ASU Mid-South to 9-of-37 shooting and forcing nine turnovers.
Gordon and Williamson led the Rangers with 17 apiece, with Williamson scoring 14 of his 17 in the second half. Edwards added 11 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Minton posted his first career double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks.
Northwest will step back into MACJC play on Thursday at Itawamba. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.