Raiders Take Down Scrappy Gaston Squad

NICEVILLE, Fla. – Despite never trailing, Northwest Florida State's lead never really felt secure as the Raiders fought off a scrappy Gaston team, 85-70, on Saturday.

NWF (4-1) shot 49.2 percent (31-63) as a team from the field, but Gaston knocked down 10 three-pointers to hang around for most of the game.

Deshawndre Washington paced the Raiders with 18 points on a 7-for-11 effort with a game-high eight rebounds. Shammah Scott had 17 points, while Michael Jefferson added 15 points. Issa Muhammad was the fourth Raider in double figures with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Dee Merriweather was a force for the Rhinos scoring a game-best 25 points with seven 3-pointers.

No. 10 Northwest Florida won the rebounding battle 38-25 and outscored Gaston in the paint 30-24.

The Raiders travel to Pensacola Nov. 22-24 to face Lamar State-Port Arthur, Southern Arkansas Tech, and Odessa in a tournament.

For more information on Northwest Florida State athletics, visit NWFRaiders.com or follow @NWFRaiders on Twitter.