Box Score SUMMIT - Despite owning a 1-0 halftime advantage in Tuesday evening's conference match at Southwest Mississippi, Northwest surrendered three goals in the second half, as the Bears defeated the Rangers by a 3-1 decision.

With both teams knotted in a scoreless draw for most of the first half, Northwest freshman Tyler Starnes was fouled from behind on a breakway shot attempt in the 39th minute. Though the play likely merited a red card ejection, only a caution was issued, setting up a successful free kick from Rodrigo Bandeira.

Despite continuing to hold a 1-0 advantage through the early stages of the second half, Northwest was unable to get any shot attempts off as Southwest Mississippi turned up the aggressiveness on offense. In the 72nd minute, the Bears finally scored, tying the match at 1-1.

Less than three minutes later, Northwest surrendered another goal from the Bears, falling behind 2-1. Starnes responded with the equalizer in the 83rd minute, but Southwest Mississippi immediately scored the game-winner less than a minute later.

With the loss, Northwest dropped to 4-9-4 overall and 2-6-1 in the MACCC. The Rangers will need to win each of their final two conference matches and will also need a little help from teams further up in the standings in order to reach the postseason.

Northwest returns home Friday, October 25, hosting Copiah-Lincoln at 7 P.M.