Raiders Fall to #2 Indian Hills 108-99

OTTUMWA, IA - Northwest Florida State men's basketball suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of Indian Hills, 108-99. In an electric environment in the Hellyer Center, the Raiders and Warriors exchanged blows throughout the first half before going into intermission with the Raiders down 43-42. Indian Hills' deep bench proved to be the difference in the game as the Warriors had 58 points from off the bench. Dom McHenry for Indian Hills attributed to 25 of those 58 points off the bench as McHenry finished 8-12 from the field.

Northwest Florida never gave up, as their deficit grew to 21 points with just over six minutes remaining. The Raiders fought all the way back to pull within 6 points before Indian Hills drained 3-4 free throws in the final minute to put the Warriors up 9 points. 

The Raiders improved their shooting tonight as they connected on 7-19 from 3 (36.8%), over 7% higher from their season average at 29.7% coming into tonight's game. Northwest Florida ended the night connecting on 33 shots on 70 attempts (47.1%). Kasean Pryor had another incredible night for the Raiders, as he scored 30 points on 9-18 shooting. Pryor also recorded 3 steals and 2 blocks before fouling out with 1 minute left in the game. Taryn Todd was a difference maker as he recorded 23 points on 9-11 shooting, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists. Takai Simpkins accounted for 19 points off the bench.

The Raiders (6-1) will turn their focus to Southeastern Community College (5-1) as they face the Blackhawks in West Burlington, Iowa tomorrow night at 7:00 PM. Southeastern will be another tough test for Northwest Florida as the Blackhawks are averaging 81.4 points/game, shooting 50% from the field on the season and knocking down 44.3% from the three point line, while holding their opponents to 61.4 points/game.

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