Russellville, Ark. - Northwestern faced off Saturday against Arkansas Tech as part of their two game trip to Arkansas falling to the Golden Suns 65-58. The Golden Suns took advantage of a 3rd quarter 8-0 run to regain the lead and take control of the game as they would not trail again in the game.
Northwestern falls to 10-8 on the season with a 6-6 conference record as Arkansas Tech improves to 8-8 on the year with a 6-6 conference record.
Bailey Brown led The Lady Rangers in points at 23 and went 11-12 at the free throw line. Scout Frame followed with 18 points. Brown also led the team in rebounds with 13 for her fifth double-double of the season and 27th of her career. Carly Craig was second with 9 rebounds in the afternoon.
1st Quarter: In the second away game of the week the Golden Suns struck first with a three pointer in the opening minute of play. The next basket would not be scored for another three minutes as both teams reached a stalemate. A defensive rebound by Bailey Brown and a layup by Scout Frame put the Rangers on the board trailing 5-2 at the opening media timeout. Brown quickly added an additional two points by making both free throws after a foul. Frame contributed another two free throws to put The Lady Rangers ahead 6-5. Northwestern took advantage of their opportunities early at the foul line. The Golden Suns had a quick response with a made jumper. A strong defensive rebound by Carly Craig and jump shot by Josena Frame allowed the Rangers to close the gap to back to five at 13-8 going into the second quarter. S. Frame led the Rangers with four points and two steals.
2nd Quarter: The Golden Suns built off their momentum in the first quarter by scoring first with a made three point shot. The Lady Rangers quickly responded as Seniors S. Frame and Kinsey Neiderer rattled off four straight points. A steal and a made layup by Brown left the Rangers down by two points at 18-16 almost half way through the quarter. A made jumper by S. Frame sparked a Lady Ranger run of 7-0 bringing them in the lead at 25-20. The Lady Golden Suns responded with two made free throws and a three pointer. S. Frame fired back by contributing two more made jumpers right before the halftime buzzer sounded. The Rangers led 31-30 going into halftime. S. Frame led with 14 points followed by Brown with 11. Carly Craig and Brown led the Rangers in rebounds going into the half with five each.
3rd Quarter: It was a quick start for both teams after halftime. An offensive rebound and layup for Neiderer put The Lady Rangers in the lead 33-32 early in the quarter. The Golden Suns quickly regained the lead by two made free throws and a three pointer. Brown and S. Frame kept The Rangers in the fight with two made free throws each. Andi Pierce contributed a made layup with two minutes remaining bringing the score to 49-39 going into the final quarter. The Golden Sun rattled off 8 straight to regain the lead and take control led by Tech's defense.
4th Quarter: A slow start for the Rangers to open the fourth quarter missing their first shot followed by a layup out of the gate by Golden Suns extending their lead. An offensive rebound and two made free throws by Brown scoring the first Northwestern points of the quarter trailing 51-40. Jill Ingram contributed off the bench for The Rangers by sinking a jump shot. The Golden Sun's quickly responded with a made three pointer. An assist by J. Frame and three pointer by Brown brought the score to 57-49 with under two minutes remaining as the Lady Rangers attempted their comeback. Craig fired off another three pointer from the corner to continue to gain ground on the Golden Suns. A layup by Kes Reeves and S. Frame allowed the Lady Rangers to cut the deficit to four points at 58-62 with twenty two seconds left in the quarter. Despite the fight the comeback bid would fall short as the Lady Rangers fell to the Golden Suns 65-58.
Northwestern will return to action at home on Thursday at 5:30 PM in Percefull Fieldhouse against The University of Arkansas Monticello Cotton-Blossoms as the Lady Ranger look to win their sixth straight home game.
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