RC women climb back into NTJCAC race

Shan'Qaylia Stanton pumped in 18 points and Marshalia Lollie and Angel Reese both grabbed double-digit rebounds on Wednesday and helped the Ranger College Lady Rangers keep their postseason hopes alive with a 63-55 victory over the Grayson College Lady Vikings.

With the win, Ranger College moved to 5-3 in Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference play and into a three-way tie for second. Grayson and Cisco College are also 5-3 in NTJCAC action – a game behind Weatherford, Collin County and Hill College, who are mired in a three-way logjam atop the standings heading into the second-half of conference play on Saturday.

Grayson College jumped out to the early lead. The Lady Vikings outscored Ranger in each of the first two quarters of play – barely – and took a slim 28-26 lead into the half.

The Lady Rangers, now 15-6 overall, got on track in the third quarter. Backed by clutch shots from Stanton and Giordin Johnson, the RC women posted a 19-15 spree in the first eight minutesof the second half and rallied to take a 45-43 lead into the fourth.

RC put the finishing touches on the win by outpointing Grayson by an 18-12 clip in the final stanza.

Stanton enjoyed one of her better performances of the season. In addition to her team-high 18 points, she also posted seven rebounds, dished out eight assists and collected six steals.

Lollie led all RC rebounders with 11. She also tacked on eight points.

Reese had 10 boards.

Ranger College will return to action on Saturday when they host Collin County, beginning at 2 p.m. in the Ron Butler Gymnasium.