Northwestern opened up conference play at Percefull Fieldhouse overcoming East Central 85-60 and defending their 4-0 record. This is the Lady Rangers first 4-0 start in the Division II era. The Lady Rangers outscored the Tigers by 14 points in the second quarter and had an overall free throw shooting percentage of 85% which contributed to their victory.
Faith Simpson led offensively with 21 points followed closely by Carly Craig with 15. Nikya Orange and Camille Thomas led defensively with 8 rebounds each. Simpson and Craig led in steals with 5 and 4 respectively.
1st Quarter:
Faith Simpson opened up scoring for the Lady Rangers with a layup. East Central fired back with a corner three pointer. Josena Frame quickly responded by sinking a three pointer to push Northwestern forward 5-3. Carly Craig contributed a layup and beautiful assist for Frame to add an additional layup for the Lady Rangers. The Tigers countered with a layup to trail 9-7. Talayah Thomas took it to the basket for two and Camille Thomas sank back to back free throws. T. Thomas fired off a floater and free throw to extend Northwestern's lead 16-9 to end the first.
2nd Quarter:
Simpson fired off a jumper and layup to keep the momentum with the Lady Rangers. Off the bench, Nikya Orange contributed a layup. Frame sank a three pointer to propel Northwestern forward with a ten point lead 25-15. Craig fired off a three pointer and C. Thomas completed a three point play. The Tigers responded with a free throw. Paige Scott countered for the Lady Ranges with a corner three. East Central fought back with back to back layups to close the gap 36-21. Simpson contributed back with two layups. Craig fired off a buzzer beater three to end the quarter, ensuring the Northwestern lead at the half 43-22.
3rd Quarter:
The Tigers fought back to start the third with a three pointer out of the gates. Simpson fired off a layup and Craig sank a three pointer to extend Northwestern's lead 48-35. Off the bench, Orange contributed back to back free throws and a layup. East Central countered with a steal and a layup. Scott and T.Thomas sank back to back free throws each to continue pushing Northwestern forward 59-36. The Tigers quickly responded with a 7-0 run to close the gap. Simpson sank back to back free throws allowing Northwestern to hold on to their 20 point lead while entering the fourth.
4th Quarter:
Simpson contributed back to back layups for the Lady Rangers. East Central countered with two consecutive baskets. Off the bench, Scott sank another three pointer. The Tigers responded with their own three pointer to close the gap. C. Thomas contributed back to back free throws. Scott fired off another three pointer pushing Northwestern ahead 81-57. The Tigers countered with a three pointer. Aubrey Ritter fired off a layup clinching the Lady Ranger's first conference win at 85-60.
Northwestern hits the road for the first time this season, traveling to face off against Oklahoma Baptist in Shawnee. The game will take place Saturday December 3rd at 5:30.
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