SENATOBIA – Jones led for over 34 minutes in Saturday's NJCAA Region 23 Quarterfinal at Northwest but ran out of steam the final quarter as the Rangers held on for a 61-56 win.

Northwest, 21-8, moves on to the region semifinals to face Itawamba March 11 while Trista Magee Whitman's first season comes to a close at 20-9.

"I can't be more thankful to the young women we've had as part of our program this year," Whitman said. "They committed to our mission and gave their very best throughout the season. They are such a special group and have incredibly bright futures that I can't wait to watch."

Whitman won more games in Year 1 than the last two seasons combined (13) and won eight league games compared to six the prior two years. 

The Bobcats led Northwest after each quarter Saturday night, including 45-38 entering the fourth. 

It was 15-5 JC after the first quarter.

The Lady Rangers opened the fourth quarter with 10 of the first 13 points to tie the game at 48-48 on Dekyra Mitchell's free throw line jumper with 4:34 to play.

She added a step-back jumper on their next possession to put Northwest on top, 50-48, for the first time of the game with under four to play. 

Larissa Hubbard's wing three-pointer tied it again at 53-all with 1:30 to play.

But the JC defense lost Zoe Metcalf the ensuing possession for a wide-open three to retake the lead and eventually hold on.

Both teams shot under 31 percent for the game. Northwest was 12-of-17 from the free throw line and Jones just 14-of-24.

Jakera Ducksworth had a game and season-high 23 points and eight boards to close out a solid freshman campaign. Hubbard posted her ninth double-double with 16 points and 12 boards.

Layla Hampton led NWCC with 20 points, 15 of them in the opening half.