SCOOBA - After an exceptional second half, the Northwest Mississippi Community College women's basketball team (7-4) claimed a hard fought 67-55 victory over East Mississippi Community College (3-6). 

Both teams got off to a slow start offensively in the first quarter with the two sides only combining for 20 total points with the Rangers up 11-9. Sophomore transfer Dekyra Mitchell was responsible for over half of the Rangers points in the first, scoring six. 

The second quarter saw Northwest's offense gain a little bit of momentum with Alorian Story accumulating seven of NWCC's points in the frame, but the two sides were still neck-and-neck at 28 all.  

Rebounding was key in the first half, and on the way to a career-high in rebounds, Story once again proved how dominant she is on the glass, accumulating eight offensive and 12 defensive for a total of 20 rebounds.  

"She's picked up where she left off of from last season," Head Coach LaTaryl Williams said. "She's vocal on the court and her teammates are starting to feed off of her. She's leading by example."

The Rangers carried their offensive momentum into the second half, scoring 25 points in the third quarter to pull away and build the lead to 53-40. Story and Zoe Metcalf led the way in the frame, both scoring eight points.

The last quarter of action saw a balanced Northwest offense close the game. The bench was able to provide key moments in the fourth quarter with Jhaniya Davis hitting a crucial three-point shot and Ahmari Lockhart hitting two tough jumpers to extend the NWCC lead as they finished the 67-55 win for their second straight.  

Story and Mitchell continue to prove how vital they are to the team with Story scoring 21 points and garnering 20 rebounds for her seventh double-double of the year and Mitchell scoring 16 points.  

Layla Hampton added five assists and seven rebounds to the effort as the starting point guard. 

As a team, Northwest won the rebounding battle 48-45 and held the Lions to under 20 percent from three. The Rangers also were the better side in turnovers with only 14 to EMCC's 19 in the game.  

The team will be back in action at home in Howard Coliseum when they take on the Holmes Community College Bulldogs.  

To stay up to date on the NWCC women's basketball team, follow the Ranger social media accounts or go to nwccrangers.com.