UTICA - Northwest was left clinging to a one-point lead at halftime, but like earlier in the week, the Lady Rangers once again used a strong second half effort to pull away for a 92-73 victory at Hinds on Thursday evening.
Four Lady Rangers ended the night in double figures, led by a 21-point output by
I'Yana Ragin, helping Northwest improve to 11-7 on the season and 5-4 within the MACCC. Hinds remained winless on the season with the loss, dropping to 0-13 overall and 0-8 in conference play.
Northwest built an 8-2 advantage early and led 24-15 after the conclusion of the first period. However, the Lady Bulldogs would use a 24-point second quarter to pull within 40-39 at halftime.
Despite seeing its lead trimmed to one, the Lady Rangers exploded for a 28-point third quarter to gain some breathing room and a 68-56 advantage entering the fourth. Hinds would score 17 in both second half quarters, but Northwest added 24 more over the final 10 minutes to firmly pull away.
Northwest shot 45 percent from the floor, compared to a 39 percent night for Hinds. The Lady Rangers were bested in the three-point category, but made 20 of their 25 free throw attempts for an 80 percent total.
Behind Ragin's 21-point effort,
Tierra Trotter and
Maura Nunley chipped in 16 points apiece and combined for 11 of the Lady Rangers' 37 rebounds.
Sha'Kirria Everett added 13 points off the bench, while
Kolten Blakeney scored eight points and added five boards.
Patrice Broomfield paced Hinds with 21 points, while Jasmine Sheppard and Sade Thompson posted 16 points and 10 points, respectively. Lia Smith also earned a team-high 11 rebounds in the loss.
Northwest will return to Howard Coliseum on Monday, January 31 for a 5:30 P.M. tip against Itawamba. The Lady Rangers lead the all-time series 55-47, with the last meeting coming earlier this season, when ICC defeated Northwest for a 76-70 triumph on November 15 in Fulton.
Broadcast coverage for Monday's meeting will be provided on Ranger TV (nwccrangers.com/watch) and Facebook Live.
