Saturday’s Showdown Concludes Regular Season Battle Between Raiders and Indians

Game 25

#6 Northwest Florida State (23-3) vs. #18 Chipola (22-4)

February 17, 2024 | 4:00 PM (CST) | Niceville, FL | Raider Arena

Links: Live Stream

TIP-OFF 

After clinching consecutive victories against Gulf Coast and Pensacola, the Northwest Florida State men's basketball team is geared up to secure their third win in a row this Saturday as they face off against the formidable No.18 Chipola.

This Saturday's clash between the Raiders and Indians marks the decisive rubber match of the season series. Both teams have notched road victories against each other, with the Raiders emerging triumphant in the last showdown in Marianna, sealing the win with a final score of 67-56.

Beyond the bragging rights of winning the season series, Saturday's victor will also claim sole possession of the top spot in the Panhandle Conference standings. With both teams boasting identical 6-2 records in league play, this matchup promises to be a pivotal moment in the season.

CHICK-FIL-A DAY

Niceville Chick-Fil-A will be in the building for Saturday's game handing out free sandwich coupons to fans in attendance. In addition, one lucky fan will have the opportunity to win free Chick-fil-A for a year if they can make a half-court shot during halftime. For more details, please visit the table under the video board located by the front entrance of the arena.

STATE TOURNAMENT PASSES NOW ON SALE

The 2024 FCSAA/NJCAA Region 8 Basketball Tournament is just around the corner, and fans have the opportunity to purchase tournament passes at Raider basketball games starting this weekend! NWF and Raider Arena are thrilled to host the tournament for the fifth consecutive year. Mark your calendars for March 13-16 to experience the excitement as top teams from the Panhandle and Citrus conferences compete for a shot at advancing to the NJCAA National Tournament. Secure your tournament pass for $40 at the table in the breezeway on the south side of the arena during this weekend's games.

LAST TIME OUT

Northwest Florida State men's basketball secured their 23rd win of the season on Wednesday with a 69-60 victory over Pensacola on the road.

The Raiders clinched the win with a strong offensive performance in the second half, shooting 41.9% from the field and sinking five three-pointers for a 45.5% accuracy from beyond the arc. This starkly contrasted with their first-half performance, where they shot under 35.0% and failed to make any three-pointers.

Throughout the game, there were five lead changes and four ties. Despite the competitive nature of the match, the Raiders maintained control, never falling behind by more than two points and even holding a 15-point lead at one stage in the second half.

RaSheed Jones once again led the team in scoring, contributing 21 points and four rebounds. Tavion Banks delivered one of his standout performances of the season, dominating both scoring and rebounding with 18 points and 11 rebounds, securing his fifth double-double of the season. Jamal also made a significant impact with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a steal.

PANHANDLE CONFERENCE STANDINGS

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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