Box Score UTICA - Four Northwest players scored in double digits, as the Lady Rangers held off a furious Hinds rally in the fourth quarter, hanging on for an 86-81 victory.

Freshman Alorian Story once again led the way for Northwest, scoring 22 points and adding 15 rebounds, helping the Lady Rangers snap a four-game losing skid.

Although both teams went back and forth throughout the first quarter, Northwest broke a 10-all tie and went on an 11-3 run over the final three minutes, gaining a 21-13 advantage.

From there, the Lady Rangers led the rest of the way. Northwest pushed its lead to 35-23 late in the second quarter and closed the first half on a 6-2 run, going into the locker room with a 41-27 advantage.

Leading 64-52 entering the fourth quarter, the Lady Bulldogs closed the gap with a 29-20 scoring surge over the final 10 minutes of regulation. Hinds cut the deficit to three with five minutes left, before eventually pulling back within 72-71 with roughly two minutes remaining.

However, the Lady Rangers responded with a 10-4 run, pushing the score to 82-75. Hinds did add a few more points over the final 39 seconds, but it was too little, too late for the Lady Bulldogs.

Northwest finished 50 percent from the floor and 40 percent from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Hinds shot 37 percent on the evening and 53 percent from three-point range.

Aside from Story's double-double, freshman Layla Hampton tacked on 17 points and a team-leading eight assists. Additionally, the Memphis native also totaled seven rebounds on the evening.

Mariah Reed-Jones also contributed 16 points and Takera Bland added 13 points for the Lady Rangers. 

Hinds was led by 19 points off the bench from Judea Hastings, followed by 15 points and five rebounds from Arianna Crimm. Myla Harbor also chipped in 13 points and a team-leading six rebounds.

With the win, Northwest improved to 9-11 on the season and 5-5 in the MACCC, while Hinds fell to 13-12 overall and 1-7 in conference play. The Lady Rangers also extended the all-time series lead against the Lady Bulldogs to a 38-6 margin.

Northwest has two home games remaining on the regular season schedule, starting with a conference battle against Itawamba on Monday, February 17. The Lady Indians (17-5, 7-2 MACCC) are coming off a 65-57 victory against Mississippi Gulf Coast.

In the all-time series, the Lady Rangers lead ICC 56-50. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 P.M. on Action News 5 Plus and Ranger TV.