POPLARVILLE - Three Northwest players scored in double figures, but the Rangers had no answer for a 31-point, 10-rebound performance from Pearl River's Jaronn Wilkens, as the top-seeded Wildcats defeated the Rangers 68-56 in the Region 23 Tournament quarterfinals.

Northwest trailed 34-30 at halftime and held a brief lead over the Wildcats with four minutes left in the first half. Pearl River came out strong to open the second half however, taking a 14-point lead midway through the half.

To their credit, the Rangers managed to cut the deficit down to seven with two minutes left in regulation, only for the Wildcats to ice things down the stretch.

James Richards III led the team with 12 points, followed by 11 points and six rebounds from reigning MACCC Player of the Week DeAntoni Gordon. Tyler Lang also provided 10 points in the losing effort, while Kavonte Tunstall fell just shy of double figures with a nine-point outing.

Aside from Wilkens' career-best effort, the Wildcats were also aided by 11 points off the bench from Ankerion Gross.

As a team, Northwest shot 39 percent from the floor and were out-rebounded 36-27. Pearl River shot 46 percent from the floor and 72 percent from the free throw line.

Northwest and coach Shane Oakley finish the season at 8-8 overall. Pearl River (11-1) will advance to the Region 23 Tournament semifinals in Clinton against Holmes.