Raiders Sink the Pirates 73-67, Notch First Conference Win
PENSACOLA, Fla. – With the Raiders bench thin, Coach DeMeo and his staff turned to Takai Simpkins to take over the game when Collin Warren exited the game after rolling his ankle. Simpkins did just that, scoring 14 second half points, lifting the Raiders over the Pirates 73-67 to secure the first conference win this season.
Northwest Florida continued to answer time and time again after Pensacola's Colin Howell hit 6 3s tonight en route to 21 points. The Raiders silenced the Pirate student section in many ways tonight, whether it was Kasean Pryor and Tavion Banks bringing the house down or Takai Simpkins and Chad Baker-Mazara hitting a corner 3.
Kasean Pryor had another great night in the office, leading the way with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Takai Simpkins had 17 points, connecting on 4-7 from deep. Chad Baker-Mazara recorded 14 points and 6 assists. Taryn Todd was very efficient with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The Raiders (15-6) will be back in Raider Arena on Saturday, January 21st to take on the Commodores of Gulf Coast State College. Gulf Coast (12-8) is 1-2 in the Panhandle Conference, defeating Pensacola State on January 7th 71-70.
For more information on Northwest Florida athletics, visit NWFRaiders.com or follow @NWFRaiders on Twitter and Instagram.