SENATOBIA – Behind a career-best 25-point effort from transfer Jakobi Pearson, Northwest slid by Southwest Mississippi 88-78 on Thursday night at Howard Coliseum.

With the win, Northwest improved to 2-1 on the season while Southwest Mississippi suffered its first loss, dropping to 3-1 overall.

Trailing the Bears 9-7 midway through the first half, the Rangers used a pair of three-pointers from Kavonte Tunstall and Montez Allen to spark a 10-0 run, gaining a 17-9 lead.

Northwest remained hot for the remainder of the half, bolstering its lead to 10 off a Tomias Brand jumper and to its highest point of 21 twice with baskets from Tunstall and Allen, taking a 45-27 advantage into the locker room.

Trailing 55-35 just four minutes into the second half, the Bears began to slowly claw their way back with a 23-12 run, dipping the Rangers' lead to nine at 67-58 with 9:33 remaining.

SMCC continued to carve into the Northwest advantage, pulling within five points twice over the final nine minutes of the half. The Rangers never surrendered their lead though, eventually retaking a double-digit off a pair of free throws from James Richards III with 40 seconds left, helping to hold off the strong second half rally from the Bears.

In addition to Pearson's 25 points, Tunstall and Richards contributed 15 points apiece. R.J. Duhart posted a double-double as well, scoring 12 points and adding 11 rebounds.

Spencer Rodgers led all scorers with 27 points for SMCC while Goodnews Kpegeol and Damian Dear added 14 and 12, respectively.

Northwest will resume action on Monday, Nov. 18 against Arkansas Baptist at 6 p.m. Live stats will be provided at nwccrangers.com.