ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Ouachita Lady Tigers battled to the end but fell short to the Northwestern Oklahoma State Lady Rangers 67-59.

Madison Brittain provided a much-needed boost in depth as she made her return to the court after being out just over a month. The Lady Tigers held the lead for the majority of the first half with highly efficient offense and aggressive defense.

Despite the first half lead, the Lady Tigers were unable to hold on in the second half.

Makayla Miller had a career night to lead Ouachita with 23 points. Maija Gertsone added 11. Madison Brittain scored 10 in her return.

Hillary Hurst led the Lady Rangers with 17. Presley Payahsape contributed 15.

Northwestern began the game in a zone defense, but Ouachita quickly broke the zone on a layup by Jakyya Clay. Maija Gertsone followed that up with three straight three-pointers to take an early 11-2 lead.

The Lady Tigers took a 14-11 lead into the second quarter.

The Lady Rangers came back to capture a lead for a short period of time in the second quarter.

Despite momentum shifting towards NWOSU, Ouachita surged back to regain a 27-24 lead at halftime.

The Lady Rangers came out of halftime with a new energy. Northwestern shot lights out in the third to take a 49-43 lead into the final quarter.

In the end, Northwestern came out on top by eight.

The Lady Tigers dropped to 4-21, 1-18 in conference play, while Northwestern Oklahoma State improved to 12-13, 8-11 in conference.

The Lady Tigers return to action Saturday, Feb. 22 at home against Southwestern Oklahoma State University. The game will be at 1 p.m. For all things Lady Tiger Basketball, stay tuned to obutigers.com.