Raiders Drop Conference Opener to Chipola in Overtime

NICEVILLE, Florida – Northwest Florida men's basketball faced its second setback of the season on Saturday, succumbing to No. 12 Chipola in overtime with a final score of 76-73. The intense Panhandle Conference opener witnessed eight lead changes and nine ties, showcasing resilient performances from both teams.

Despite attempting a substantial 76 shots, the Raiders struggled with a 34.2% shooting accuracy, but their three-point shooting was a bright spot at 40.6%. Chipola, with a 44.2% field goal success and 36.6% from beyond the arc, capitalized on 20 more free-throw attempts, a potential decisive factor in the closely contested game.

RaSheed Jones delivered a stellar performance, notching a season-high 27 points, including nine three-pointers. Tajuan Simpkins recorded his 11th double-digit scoring game of the season, contributing 17 points. Tavion Banks (13) and Tyrese Elliott (10) were the other Raiders in double-figure scoring.

With the loss, NWF's season record stands at 17-2, moving to 0-1 in conference play. The Raiders aim for redemption on the road against Tallahassee on Wednesday at 6:30 PM (CST).

FIRST HALF

The Raiders ignited the game with a blazing start, sinking three consecutive triples. Chipola, undeterred, leveled the score at nine apiece with a free throw at the 14:49 mark. A brief scoring drought ensued, and the Raiders' next basket came at 16:26. Chipola broke the stalemate with a layup, securing an 11-9 lead with just over 13 minutes left in the half.

Tajuan Simpkins ended the Raiders' scoring dry spell with two made layups, but they didn't score again until Tyrese Elliot's second-chance layup at the 10:08 mark. Despite Chipola establishing a six-point lead, Tajuan Simpkins narrowed the deficit with another second-chance layup, bringing it to four.

Chipola extended their lead to double digits (10) with 7:29 left in the half. RaSheed Jones responded with consecutive threes, reducing the deficit to four. Tajuan Simpkins and Tyrese Elliott contributed a made three and free throws, giving the Raiders their first lead since the opening minutes. RaSheed Jones closed the first half with his fourth three, carrying NWF to a four-point lead at halftime.

SECOND HALF

Tyrese Elliott opened the second half with a three-pointer, setting the tone for the Raiders. Back-to-back makes by Jadyn Shider and RaSheed Jones pushed the lead to nine with 16:31 remaining. Tajuan Simpkins extended the lead to double digits with a three at 14:55. Simpkins hit another three, widening the gap to 11 with 11:19 left in regulation.

RaSheed Jones's mid-range jumper inside the 10-minute mark gave the Raiders their largest lead. However, a 15-2 run by Chipola over the next four minutes allowed them to regain a 57-56 advantage heading into the final stages. RaSheed Jones and Tajuan Simpkins, with a three and a jumper, respectively, put the Raiders ahead by six with just under four minutes remaining.

The Raiders fought hard, but a late foul resulted in two made free throws for Chipola, tying the game at 67 and forcing overtime.

OVERTIME

In overtime, RaSheed Jones maintained his three-point prowess, opening with consecutive triples from the wing, tallying nine threes for the game. Astonishingly, these two makes were the only field goals for the Raiders in the extra period. Chipola capitalized on this, strategically drawing fouls and converting crucial free throws.

With eight seconds on the clock, the Indians drew a foul on their drive to the basket, earning a trip to the line for a chance to seize the lead. Successfully sinking both free throws, they carried a one-point advantage over the Raiders in the waning moments. Coach Steve DeMeo designed a play for Tajuan Simpkins, anticipating the second-year guard could secure a layup or draw a foul before time expired. Despite Simpkins encountering contact on his drive, the officials did not make the call, relinquishing possession to Chipola, who ultimately held on for a 76-73 victory over the Raiders.

NEXT UP

The Raiders head on the road for their second conference matchup, facing the Eagles in Tallahassee on Wednesday at 6:30 PM (CST).

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