Jones and Simpkins Lead NWF to 67-56 Win Over Chipola Wednesday Night

MARIANNA, Fla. – Northwest Florida State (NWF) men's basketball sought redemption against conference rival Chipola on Wednesday night in Marianna, aiming to overturn their previous loss to the Indians at home. Led by RaSheed Jones and Tajuan Simpins, who combined for 48 points in the contest, the Raiders secured a decisive 67-56 victory over the Indians, moving the season series to one apiece.

The first half was very tightly contested, with neither team able to secure an edge over one another. Despite the Raiders outshooting their opponents in the first 20 minutes, the Indians controlled the glass with a plus-nine rebounding differential (25-16) over NWF. The Raiders managed to come away with a two-point lead (25-23) at the break, setting the game up for an exciting finish.

RaSheed Jones and Tajuan Simpkins both shined throughout. After scoring ten in the first, Jones took his scoring to another level in the second, recording 16 points in the final 20 minutes of action, giving him 26 for the game, which included four makes from three. Jones has now scored 27 and 26 points against Chipola in his two meetings against them this season.

Simpkins also put on a show tonight against the Indians. He finished the game with 22 points, including three makes from behind the arc, five rebounds, a pair of assists, and four steals. Simpkins continues adding to what has been an impressive run in January. The Brooklyn, N.Y. native has recorded 15 points or more in each of his six outings this month, averaging north of 18 points a game during that stretch, bringing his season total to an even 15 points per contest.

NWF finished the game shooting 45.5% from the field, including 31.8% from three, while holding Chipola to 30.8% shooting and 18.8% from behind the arc. The Indians carried the rebounding advantage, bringing in 13 more boards than the Raiders, including 14 more offensive rebounds.

The Raiders bring their overall record to 21-2 and 4-1 in Panhandle Conference play. NWF will look to carry this momentum into Saturday's matchup with Tallahassee, as the Raiders are set to host the Eagles for the second of three meetings this season.

UP NEXT

NWF will host Tallahassee for game two of the season series this Saturday, February 3, at Raider Arena beginning at 4:00 PM (CST).

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