ALVA, Okla.- Northwestern Oklahoma State's women's basketball team controlled the large majority of the game in route to a 77-73 victory over Oklahoma Baptist on Thursday night inside Percefull Fieldhouse.

The Lady Rangers held the lead for just under 29 minutes of the ball game and led by as many as 11 points. Northwestern forced 22 turnovers and made 18-of-21 free throw attempts throughout the contest. Both teams had a quality shooting night with the Lady Rangers shooting 44.8 percent and the Bison shooting 45.2 percent.

The victory brings the Lady Rangers record to 5-11 overall, 4-6 in the conference. The home victory also moves Northwestern's record to 5-3 inside the friendly confines of Percefull Fieldhouse.


Individually the Lady Rangers were led by junior Kalea King, who converted on 12-of-13 free throws on her way to 24 points. Junior Kori Barrios continued her hot shooting by hitting 3-of-6 three pointers, allowing her to total 15 points. Senior Jonae Isaac also provided a solid stat line with 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

Northwestern trailed at the conclusion of one period thanks to nine points for Bison forward Katy Custer. Custer finished with 27 points on the night and also attained double-double numbers with 12 rebounds. As predicted before the game, Northwestern struggled early with the persistent offensive rebounding of Oklahoma Baptist.

After a few adjustements between the quarters, Northwestern came out and caught fire from the field. The Lady Rangers shot 60 percent from the field in the second quarter and took a 38-31 advantage into halftime. 

Continuing the same style of consistent and tough play, the Lady Rangers continued to battle underneath the glass against the tall Bison and began to force the turnovers that would prove to be so key down the stretch. At the conclusion of three quarters, Northwestern led 59-54.


The Bison made things interesting in the early stages of the fourth quarter as a three-pointer by Bison guard Monae Smith brought the Lady Ranger lead to just three points at 61-58 with 8:42 remaining in the quarter. Oklahoma Baptist would continue to hang close for the next few minutes before back-to-back lay-ups from Isaac and King brought the lead back out to 67-60 with five minutes remaining in the game. Northwestern never truly lost control of the game the rest of the way in and finished off a solid team effort for their second straight conference victory.

Northwestern will look to make it three in a row on Saturday afternoon in Ada, Okla. where they will take on the Lady Tigers of East Central. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.

For the latest information and updates on Lady Ranger Basketball, follow @NWOSUAthletics on twitter or go to www.riderangersride.com