SENATOBIA - An efficient offense propelled the Northwest Mississippi Community College women's basketball team (17-8, 8-3) to a 77-69 victory over Copiah-Lincoln Community College (13-9, 5-6) over the weekend.
The first two quarters were played evenly with both the Rangers and the Wolves going into halftime with 31 points each.
The third quarter saw both sides explode offensively with both teams scoring over 20 points. However, Co-Lin took a slim three-point lead into the last quarter of the game.
In the fourth quarter, NWCC played stellar defense, only allowing 13 points. Northwest also had their best offensive quarter in the fourth frame, scoring 24 points and securing the eight point win.
Northwest was able to handle the ball well throughout the entire game, turning it over only 11 times. This is almost six less turnovers than the Rangers' season average (15.7).
Offensively, NWCC over performed their season average in every statistical category. Northwest shot 44.1% from the floor which is around ten percent higher than their season average of 34%. Shooting 41.2% from the three-point line, they blew their season average of 23% out of the water.
The last offensive category that they overperformed their season average was free throws. The Rangers have struggled from the free throw line from time to time this season. However, against Co-Lin, Northwest shot 72% from the line, beating their season's average (60%) by 12 percent.
The game saw four NWCC starters score more than 15 points. Alorian Story led all players in scoring with 19 points. In typical Story fashion, Story also dominated the glass, garnering 17 rebounds. Sophomore guard Layla Hampton tied her career-high points with 17 and shot 100% from the three-point line. Hampton also had five assists and five rebounds. Dekyra Mitchell also had 17 points shooting 50% from the floor.
Having Takera Bland back and able to play valuable minutes has proved to be one of the keys to success for the Rangers. Bland had 16 points and four defensive rebounds in the contest.
Northwest (17-8, 8-3) will travel to Perkinston to take on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (16-4, 10-1) on Monday, February 23 at 5:30 p.m.
To stay up to date on the NWCC women's basketball team, follow the Ranger social media accounts or go to nwccrangers.com.
