Raiders Drop Conference Home Opener

NICEVILLE, Fla. – Northwest Florida State men's basketball fought back from a 17-point deficit but fell short, 76-69, to Gulf Coast in Raider Arena on Tuesday.

Down 70-53 with 3:20 to go in the game, the Raiders (4-3, 1-1 PC) went on a 14-0 run to close the gap to just three. However, a gulf Coast layup and five free throws iced the game for the Commodores.

Micah Thomas led Northwest Florida offensively with 17 points. Jourdan Smith filled the stat sheet with nine points, 13 rebounds, six assists, three blocks and a steal.

Alonzo Gaffney scored 16 points on 8-of-14 shooting, while Marseilles Caston added 14.

Overall, NWF shot 45.2 percent (28-62) for the game, while Gulf Coast converted 43.3 percent (26-60) of its shots and knocked down 10 three-pointers.

The Raiders return the court for a home Panhandle Conference matchup against Tallahassee in Thursday. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

For more information on Northwest Florida State Athletics, visit NWFRaiders.com or follow the team on Twitter at @NWFRaiders.