Lollie, Stanton lift RC past Weatherford

Marshalia Lollie posted a double-double and Shan'Qaylia Stanton poured in a game-high 22 points on Monday and helped hand the Ranger College women's basketball team its biggest win of the 2018-19 season with an 81-64 victory over Weatherford College.

Not only did the victory move Ranger to within one game of a 20-win season, it kept the Lady Rangers' postseason dreams alive. By virtue of its win over Weatherford, the RC women moved to 8-5 in Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference play and into sole possession of fourth place in the conference standings, one-half game ahead of rival Cisco.

"That was a big win for us," said Ranger College head coach Bill Foy.

The Lady Rangers, who also benefitted from an outstanding performance from sophomore Ny'Keria Jones, stayed close through much of the first half against Weatherford, who currently sits second in the NTJCAC race behind Hill College. Ranger, despite scoring just 12 points in the second quarter, trailed by just six at the half, 36-30.

Stanton and Lollie made sure Ranger's postseason hopes remained alive from there. The two, along with Jones and Kylah Mize, spearheaded a staggering 28-12 run in the third quarter and powered Ranger into the fourth with a 58-48 cushion.

Unlike a few days earlier when RC let a 10-point lead against Hill fade away, there was no fourth-quarter slump by the RC offense. Ranger cemented the victory with a commanding 23-16 spree in the final 10 minutes.

Lollie starred for RC. The Kilgore, Texas, standout scored 10 points and grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds.

Jones also did well on the defensive end. She collected eight rebounds and had a team-high three defensive steals to go along with 12 points.

Oksanna Williams added eight points, while sophomore point guard Jaylan Gulley offered up six points and a game-high seven assists.

Ranger College, now 19-8 overall, will return to action on Feb. 20 when they travel to Temple.