By NICK VILLALOBOS
Sports Editor
Northwestern’s women’s basketball team opened up play with a huge 63-51 win in an exhibition game against Southwestern College (Kan.) at home last Thursday.
According to buildersports.com, the Rangers opened up to a 12-8 lead over the Moundbuilders after hitting four straight three pointers from three different Rangers.
The Moundbuilders managed to close the gap to just one with only 47 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
After a short scoring drought by the Rangers to start the second quarter, Southwestern jumped out to a small 20-18 lead.
Northwestern came charging right back however, as they managed to regain a 21-20 lead with just 5:09 remaining in the half.
Both teams went back and forth, fighting to take the lead for the remainder of the half, but neither team was successful in their efforts as the first half ended in a 29-29 deadlock.
After the halftime break, both teams continued the back and forth battle for much of the third quarter.
With 5:21 remaining in the third, both teams seen themselves deadlocked once again. Ranger Deja Beechum was able to drop a three pointer to break the deadlock and sway the momentum back in favor of the Red-and-Black.
The Rangers led the remainder of the third quarter and when the fourth quarter got underway, the Rangers had a slim 43-42 lead.
The slim one point lead for the Rangers would not last long as it grew quickly in the beginning moments of the fourth and final quarter of play.
After two clutch free throws from Ranger Carolyne Lawley following a Moundbuilder foul, the Rangers began to pull away.
Northwestern held the lead the rest of the way in the fourth quarter, eventually pulling to a 12 point margin over Southwestern.
When the final whistle sounded, Northwestern took the contest 63-51.
The Rangers were led by Kamera Bozeman who totaled 16 points and 10 rebounds. Bozeman went six of 13 from the field and hit four of five shots at the free throw line also.
The Rangers season officially gets underway tomorrow night in Percefull Fieldhouse starting at 8 p.m. as they face the Riverhawks of Northeastern State University. The Rangers also take to the court Saturday at 8 p.m., again at home, this time facing the Broncos of the University of Central Oklahoma.