Alva, Okla. - The Northwestern Lady Rangers extended their six-game winning streak by defeating the number one team in the conference Southwestern Bulldogs. Northwestern was sparked by a 12-2 run midway through the second quarter to build their first double digit lead in which the team would never lose. Bailey Brown sealed the victory shooting 6-6 from the foul line late in the fourth quarter. This helped the Lady Rangers hold their lead over the Bulldogs closing out a 79-68 victory Thursday evening.
The seventh straight win continues the longest win streak in Northwestern history since the 2001-02 women's basketball season. The win puts Northwestern with an overall 10-5 record and conference record of 6-3. Southwestern's overall record is 14-3 with an 8-1 conference record. The Lady Ranger victory snapped a 13 game win streak for the Bulldogs.
Scout Frame led all scorers with 25 points in the game followed by Bailey Brown with 23 points and Carly Craig with 14. Craig led the team in steals with 3 and assists with 8. Both S.Frame and Brown finished the game with double-doubles, as Brown had 12 rebounds, the team lead, with S. Frame having 11.
"What a night for our program. This bunch is so fun to coach. They believe in what we are doing, play hard and play together. I thought Scout and Bailey were exceptional and Carly Craig really stepped up as a freshman playing in a big time atmosphere. We had 22 assists as a team. This group is just having fun playing together and the wins are coming because of it" stated head coach Tasha Diesselhorst following the win.
1st Quarter:
Both teams struggled to get out to a fast start within the first three minutes of the game trading basket for basket. The Lady Bulldogs went on a run during the middle of the quarter hitting two back to back three pointers and a layup. Northwestern's Carly Craig and Scout Frame answered back by each sinking a three pointer to tie the game.
The Rangers continued to challenge the Bulldogs as the Red-and-Black went on a 5-0 run following a Brown layup and Josena Frame hitting a last second layup. This gave the Lady Rangers a 21-17 lead over the Bulldogs in the first quarter. The Rangers outshot the Bulldogs from the three-point line with a 75% to 60% shooting percentage. Seniors S. Frame and Brown led the team with seven in the quarter.
2nd Quarter:
Southwestern came out strong in the second quarter tying the game up 21-21 in the first minute following a quick 4-0 run. Northwestern responded with a steal by S. Frame and a jump shot from Kinsey Neiderer pushing Northwestern back in front. The Lady Bulldogs had two turnovers which resulted in easy layups for Brown and Craig advancing The Lady Rangers lead to 31-23 midway through the quarter.
A three pointer by Craig and a defensive rebound by Brown would jump start a 7-3 run by the Lady Rangers which pushed them out in front with a 46-31 lead at the half. Northwestern finished the quarter with six steals helping push their halftime lead at 15.
3rd Quarter:
Craig kicked off the second half of the game with a three pointer and J. Frame added to the upward momentum with an offensive rebound for the Lady Rangers leading to an S. Frame layup. The Lady Bulldogs responded with consecutive layups taking them on a 9-3 run. J. Frame fired back with a steal and rebound keeping the Lady Rangers in front.
In the middle of the quarter, multiple missed shots by the Lady Bulldogs allowed the Rangers to extend their lead as Northwestern controlled the glass, not allowing many second chances for Southwestern. Another three pointer by Craig helped the Rangers jump to a 62-50 lead going into the final quarter. Craig led the quarter with 6 points followed by S.Frame and Brown's 4.
4th Quarter:
The fourth quarter started slow for both teams in the fourth quarter but Kinsey Neiderer put an end to the two minute scoring drought after hitting one of two foul shots. S. Frame and Brown would then hit back-to-back shots followed by a steal pushing Northwestern's lead back up to 14. The Bulldogs fought back with two straight made three pointers attempting to cut into the Lady Ranger lead. Northwestern would hold their double digit lead though with an 8-2 run. The Lady Bulldogs fouled Brown three consecutive times but she responded by going 6-6 at the free throw line to seal the Northwestern victory. The Lady Rangers closed the game with a 79-68 victory snapping an 11 game losing streak to Southwestern.
The Lady Rangers will be back in action this week as they travel to Shawnee Oklahoma to face off against The Lady Bison of Oklahoma Baptist on Saturday with tip off at 1:00 PM. Northwestern will look to extend their winning streak to eight straight games that afternoon.
For the latest news and updates on NWOSU Women's Basketball, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.riderangersride.com.
