FULTON - A back-and-forth battle ultimately went in favor of Itawamba on Monday evening, as Northwest fell victim to a 17-10 fourth quarter run in a 61-52 loss to the Lady Indians.
For Northwest, it was the ninth straight loss, dropping the Lady Rangers to 6-13 on the season and 1-9 in conference play. Itawamba improved to 10-8 overall and 2-7 in the MACCC.
Though Itawamba led in every quarter, Northwest was able to frequently cut into the Lady Indians' lead. ICC led 15-10 at the end of the first, but a 19-14 run in the second quarter helped the Lady Rangers tie the game at halftime, 29-29.
Northwest trailed by two to end the third quarter, but the Lady Rangers fell behind by seven with just under four minutes to go in the contest. Although Northwest tried one last rally, Itawamba was able to extend its momentum and hang on for the nine-point victory.
Northwest shot 26 percent from the floor and 83 percent from the free throw line. By comparison, the Lady Indians shot 37 percent on the evening and 67 percent from the charity stripe.
Kae'la Mitchell was the only Lady Ranger to score in double figures, earning 11 points with two rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Marian Jenkins led the team with 12 rebounds, but finished with just five points.
Freshman
Rebekah Pilcher scored eight points, including two three-pointers.
Zoe Essary also came off the bench to provide eight points.
Three Itawamba players reached double figures, as Shayla Golden and Addison Howell netted 11 points apiece. Golden also totaled a double-double with her 15 rebounds, while Kenijha Flowers added 10 points off the bench.
Northwest will return home on Thursday, February 9 for one of its two final home games of the 2023 season. The Lady Rangers welcome a red-hot Meridian squad that currently sits at 18-3 overall and 7-2 in the MACCC.
Tipoff for Thursday's game is scheduled for 5:30 P.M. at Howard Coliseum. Fans unable to attend can watch the game on Ranger TV (
nwccrangers.com/watch) and Action News 5 Plus on your Roku or Apple TV device.
