Box Score SCOOBA - Despite rallying from a large first quarter deficit, Northwest was unable to close the deal at East Mississippi on Thursday evening, falling 83-71 in the MACCC opener.

Northwest dropped to 6-4 on the season and 0-1 in conference play, while the Lady Lions evened their record at 4-4 overall and 1-0 in the MACCC.

East Mississippi opened things up with a 19-2 lead and the Lady Lions maintained the momentum until late in the first quarter. However, the Lady Rangers responded well, closing the gap and eventually gaining a 20-19 advantage off an 18-0 run that dated back to the final minute of the opening period.

Both teams would play close for most of the remainder of the first half, but the Lady Lions pulled away late for a nine-point lead at the break and took a 35-26 advantage into the locker room. 

Northwest remained within striking distance over the course of the third period, but the Lady Rangers were unable to take back the tempo from East Mississippi. A 55-46 lead at the end of the third would help keep the Lady Lions ahead the rest of the way, as Northwest left Scooba with a 12-point loss.

Shakira Wilson's whopping 33 points made a critical difference for the Lady Lions, but four Northwest players did finish in double figures. Sophomore guard Tierra Trotter led the Lady Rangers with 15 points, while Cailey Walker tallied 12 points in her first career start, 10 of those coming in the first half.

Maura Nunley also added 12 points, while I'Yana Ragin finished with 10. 

Northwest will return home to Howard Coliseum for the final time in the calendar year, hosting Holmes on Monday, December 6 at 5:30 P.M. The two teams previously met on November 4 in Goodman, where the Lady Rangers pulled out a close non-conference victory.

Monday's contest can be seen on Ranger TV (nwccrangers.com/watch) and Facebook Live.