Northwestern's Hillary Hurst (24) sprints down the court to the goal.
Lady Ranger Kyleigh Leverich (3) launches the ball down the court to get over the halfcourt line.
Alva, Okla. – The rivalry between Southwestern and Northwestern was ready to continue Thursday evening with the second meeting of the season. The Lady Rangers fell after a Southwestern 9-1 run early in the third quarter created enough separation for the Lady Bulldogs to gain control of the game, with a final of 79-59.
Southwestern used their defense to create pressure and force 24 Lady Ranger turnovers, leading to 29 points off of turnovers. The Lady Bulldogs also shot 90% from the foul line making 18 foul shots.
Hillary Hurst led Northwestern with 17 points in the game as one of two double-digit scorers. Presley Payahsape was the second finishing the game with 14 points. Hurst led the team in rebounding with 12 rebounds for her second consecutive double-double. Bailey Brown led the team in assists with seven.
The Lady Rangers jumped out to a fast start, opening the game with a 6-0 run led by senior Kalea King scoring four of the six points. Southwestern answered with five quick points of their own making it a 6-5 game. From there the rest of the quarter turned into a standstill from the defense. Each team would struggle offensively for the rest of the quarter. After Southwestern made it an 8-7 game there would be a three-minute scoreless drought for both teams. The teams found a little rhythm toward the end of the quarter trading points. Northwestern led 13-12 after the first quarter.
The second quarter started in favor of the Lady Bulldogs as they jumped out to a 23-19 lead. The Lady Rangers answered with a 6-0 run, as well as Hurst scoring nine straight points for the Lady Rangers to help regain the lead at 25-23. The teams would battle throughout the rest of the quarter. The score went even at 30-30, and then the teams traded baskets with Southwestern having a slight one point edge 36-35 at halftime.
Hurst opened the second half with a layup to put the Lady Rangers up 37-36 giving Northwestern their last lead of the game. The Lady Bulldogs responded using the 9-1 run to take control of the game. Northwestern tried to climb with a run getting back within five points. However Southwestern had an answer closing the quarter on a 15-4 run to take a sixteen point lead at 66-50 at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter opened with a Southwestern three to go up 68-50. After King made a layup, the teams got caught in a scoring drought once again with a 2:30 scoring freeze before Southwestern ended the dry spell. The Lady Bulldogs controlled the rest of the fourth quarter not allowing the Rangers back within 16 points. Two Payahsape foul shots were the final points of the game for either team. The Red-and-Black fell Thursday evening by a final score of 79-59.
The loss drops the Rangers to 11-12, 7-10, as Northwestern trails Southern Arkansas for the final playoff spot by two games. The Lady Rangers traveled to Durant to take on Southeastern Saturday afternoon.
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