GOODMAN - Northwest played its best first half of basketball since opening the 2024 calendar, but Holmes still outmatched the Rangers in the second half of Monday evening's 79-64 loss.

Northwest fell to 4-11 overall and 0-3 in MACCC competition, while Holmes jumped to 13-6 on the season and 1-3 inside the conference.

For the entirety of the opening half, both teams traded baskets and defensive stops, with neither team able to gain a substantial advantage. Northwest took a slim 19-18 lead with 12:03 remaining in the first half and the Rangers also led 24-22 around the seven-minute mark of the half.

However, Holmes did just enough down the stretch to gain some momentum heading into the locker room, punctuated by a deep three-pointer just before the halftime buzzer. The shot gave the Bulldogs a 42-38 lead at the break.

Despite the close first half battle, it was the Bulldogs that came out with the momentum to open the second half. Holmes opened up on an 11-5 stretch, pushing its lead to 10 points. From there, the Rangers stayed within striking distance, but were never able to regain the lead.

Four Northwest players reached double figures, including DeShun Dunn, who notched a career-high of 12 points. The Olive Branch native also led the Rangers with five assists and added four rebounds.

Devin Moore also posted 11 points and six rebounds, followed by a career-high 10 points for Jordan Ealey and another 10 points for Darren Davis.

As a team, Northwest shot 47 percent from the floor and 44 percent from three-point range. The Rangers were also 63 percent from the free throw line.

Holmes was paced by a 26-point, 10-rebound effort from Cameron Wallace. Jamar Jenkins added 17 points off the bench for the Bulldogs, while Hobert Grayson tallied 16 points and six boards.

Holmes also shot 54 percent on the evening and were 89 percent from the free throw line.

Still seeking its first conference victory, Northwest will turn its attention to Thursday, February 1, when the Rangers host a red-hot Jones College team. The Bobcats (17-3, 4-0 MACCC) are in the midst of a nine-game winning streak, including their most-recent win against Mississippi Gulf Coast on Monday, 87-59.

Tipoff is set for 7:30 P.M. at Howard Coliseum, with live coverage provided on Ranger TV and Action News 5 Plus. 
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