Niblack's Buzzer Beater Lifts Raiders over Pirates 57-55

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Taryn Todd's shot with 4 seconds hit off the front iron, bounced back into Marcus Niblack's hands, who knocked down the 8-foot game winner to lift the Raiders to their 8th win in the Panhandle Conference. Northwest Florida improves to 22-7, 8-3 in the Panhandle Conference.

The Raiders struggled to get anything going on the offensive side as they finished 19-51 (37.3%) from the field. Northwest Florida also committed 21 turnovers. Despite the offensive struggles, Marcus Niblack shined as he was 7-11 from the field, en route to 20 points, including the game winner as the buzzer sounded. Chad Baker-Mazara finished second on the team with 13 points, followed by Tavion Banks with 11 points. Banks recorded a double-double tonight with 11 rebounds. 

The lead changed hands 13 times tonight and was tied another 5 times but, in the end, Northwest Florida's defense was the difference maker. The Raider defense carried them to victory tonight as they held the Pirates to 35.4% shooting from the field and forced 17 turnovers. The Raiders out rebounded the Pirates 38-30. The defense came up big in the end as Pensacola was held without a field goal in the final 4 minutes and 28 seconds. Kasean Pryor led the team with 4 steals and 2 blocks and 9 rebounds, 8 of those being defensive rebounds.

#16 Northwest Florida (22-7, 8-3) will be at home for their season finale vs. Gulf Coast. Gulf Coast (13-16, 2-9) has lost their last 6 games dating back to January 28th when they defeated Pensacola State 93-88 on the road. In the previous matchup, Northwest Florida beat Gulf Coast 77-69 in overtime. The Raiders have won the first two matchups and will be looking for a season sweep on Saturday.

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