Raiders Conclude 2023 Home Slate with Two Games on Friday and Saturday
Game #13
Copiah-Lincoln (6-2) vs. #5 Northwest Florida State (12-1)
December 8, 2023 | 7:30 PM (CST) | Niceville, Florida | Raider Arena
LINKS: WATCH | LIVE STATS
Game #14
#20 Eastern Florida State (9-1) vs. #5 Northwest Florida State (12-1)
December 9, 2023 | 3:30 PM (CST) | Niceville, Florida | Raider Arena
LINKS: WATCH | LIVE STATS
NICEVILLE, Florida – After a successful weekend in Melbourne, Fla., last week at the JUCO Shootout, Northwest Florida State men's basketball returns home for two games against Copiah-Lincoln and No. 20 Eastern Florida State. This weekend marks the last pair of home games for NWF in 2023, with the Raiders not slated to return until January 6 when they face Southwest Mississippi.
Despite suffering their first loss of the season last week against No. 4 Daytona State, the Raiders have managed to maintain a top-five position in the NJCAA rankings. However, they relinquished the top spot to South Plains, who currently boasts a 12-0 record.
Securing a pair of victories this week could potentially propel the Raiders back into the top three, as they are set to face two formidable opponents with winning records. Copiah-Lincoln, entering Niceville with a 6-2 overall record, has only suffered losses to Chipola and Pensacola State. Meanwhile, Eastern Florida enters the week as the No. 20 team in the nation, holding a 9-1 record with their sole loss coming against No. 2 Salt Lake.
TIP OFF
In addition to hosting Copiah-Lincoln and Eastern Florida, Tallahassee College is scheduled to visit Raider Arena for the NWF Classic this weekend.
The action will commence on Friday at 5:30 PM with a game featuring the Tallahassee Eagles and the Eastern Florida Titans. Subsequently, at 7:30 PM, the Raiders will gear up to face Copiah Lincoln.
Saturday's lineup begins with a 1:30 PM matchup showcasing Tallahassee against Copiah Lincoln, followed by the Raiders taking on the No. 20 ranked Titans at 3:30 PM.
FOLLOW ALONG
Fans can watch all the men's and women's basketball action this season by visiting nwfraiders.com and clicking the watch live tab, or by downloading the Team1Sports app. Prices to watch games online will be $8/game, $15/month, or $75/year.
TICKETS
Tickets for this weekend can be purchased at the arena on the day of the game, or you can join our Raider Club or Champion Club by visiting nwfraiders.com and clicking on the support and join Raider Club/ Champion Club tab at the top.
LAST TIME OUT
NWF secured two wins in Melbourne, Fla., this past weekend by overcoming Florida Southwestern State (74-67, OT) and Hillsborough College (95-63). The Raiders faced a close call on Saturday against the Pirates, narrowly avoiding their second consecutive loss. Tavion Banks (16) and Rasheed Jones (15) combined for 31 points, playing pivotal roles in crucial moments. Banks' two free throws tied the game in the final stages of the fourth quarter, while Jones nailed a crucial three in overtime, securing the go-ahead basket for the Raiders.
Saturday's intensity contrasted sharply with Sunday's game, where NWF dominated the Falcons across all aspects, clinching a resounding 95-63 victory. Four Raiders reached double figures in scoring, with RaSheed Jones delivering another strong performance, marking his second 20-point outburst of the season. Tajuan Simkins (16), Brandon Sinclair (15), and Trey Brown (10) also contributed double-digit scoring, with Sinclair achieving a season-high in this regard.
RAIDERS STATISTICAL LEADERS
PTS/G: Tajuan Simpkins (14.5)
FG%: Jadyn Shider (69.3%)
3FG%: Tajuan Simpkins (44.8%)
REB/G: Jadyn Shider (8.8)
AST/G: Jamal Sumlin (3.6)
STL/G: Tajuan Simpkins (1.8)
BLK/G: Banks/Efeoglu (0.8)
For complete coverage of Northwest Florida State Athletics, visit nwfraiders.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Northwest Florida Raiders), Instagram (@nwfraiders) and X (@NWFRaiders)
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