By ADRIANA BECERRA
Student Writer
The Northwestern women’s basketball team fell twice in the MIAA/GAC Challenge at home.
Northwestern took on Northeastern State University and the University of Central Oklahoma in historic Percefull Fieldhouse on Friday and Saturday. The Rangers fell short in both match ups but not without a challenge.
Friday night was a close match up with the Rangers and the Riverhawks of Northeastern. The two kept the score close all game. Northeastern’s largest lead during the first three quarters was six points. The Rangers ultimately could not keep up in the fourth quarter where they were outscored 20-8.
Kamera Bozeman led the team with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Ashley Pride had three assists and a total of seven points during the contest as well.
When the final buzzer sounded, Northwestern came up short to the Riverhawks, losing 61-43.
On Saturday night the Rangers were ready to get redemption after their performance against the Riverhawks the night before. They squared off with the Bronchos of the University of Central Oklahoma but like the game against Northeastern, the Rangers were unable to come out on top.
The intensity was high and the crowd was pumped up. The first quarter was a close match up but as the time expired in the first half, the Rangers were able to hold the two-point advantage over the Bronchos.
Rangers went back and forth again during the third quarter and managed to pull out to a nine point lead during the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough as the Bronchos came charging right back in the closing minutes to take the win out from under the Rangers, 72-65.
Micaela Yu led the Rangers with 13 total points. Relina Johnson and Bozeman were not far behind with 11 apiece. Kaci Hansen added 3 steals for the Rangers.
Up next, the Rangers will kickoff conference play against GAC opponent Harding University at 5:30 p.m. tonight in Percefull Fieldhouse. They continue conference play on Saturday as they face Arkansas Tech at 1 p.m. at home as well.
Following the Rangers two home games this weekend, the Rangers will head on the road over Thanksgiving break for nonconference play.
First, Northwestern will head to Panhandle St. on Nov. 24 to face the Aggies. Then they will travel back across the state to Claremore, Okla. to face the Hillcats of Rogers State University.