NWF Set to Face No. 1 Barton Tomorrow in Quarterfinal Showdown
NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Championships - Quarterfinals
#8 Northwest Florida State vs. #1 Barton
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 | Noon (CDT)
Hutchinson, Kansas | Hutchinson Sports Arena
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Northwest Florida State men's basketball faces a formidable challenge tomorrow afternoon in Hutchinson as they gear up to confront top-seeded Barton in the quarterfinal round of the NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Championships.
The Raiders are riding high from an impressive victory in the second round against No. 9 Cowley, triumphing over the Tigers with a score of 85-70. Notably, four Raiders achieved double-figure scoring, with Jamal Sumlin (15) and Tavion Banks (14) both securing double-doubles. Despite facing a setback after relinquishing a 17-point lead in the first half, the Raiders regrouped during halftime and regained their momentum, embarking on a staggering 26-5 scoring spree to open the second half and secure a commanding 15-point victory over Cowley.
Now, the Raiders brace themselves for a showdown against the Region VI champions and top-seeded team in this year's tournament, Barton, whose sole loss this season was against Cowley back in November. Saturday's matchup promises an exciting spectacle as two powerhouse teams in junior college basketball collide, vying for a coveted spot in the semifinal round.
RAIDERS' RESUME
The Raiders concluded their 2023-24 regular season with a 28-5 record, including a 9-3 conference record, 13-4 record at home, 6-0 on the road, and 9-1 record in neutral venues. The team finished second place in the Panhandle Conference, one game behind Chipola, and eventually finished second in the Region VIII Tournament, also behind Chipola.
The Raiders were ranked inside the NJCAA Division I top-ten the entire season, including seven weeks ranked inside the top-five, and three weeks ranked as the number one team in the nation.
Northwest Florida is one of the better rebounding and ball distributing teams in the country this season, ranking 85th in total rebounds per game (38.1) and 39th in offensive rebounds per game (13.0), and 47th in assists per game (16.8).
However, the Raiders bread and butter this season has been their defense. The team ranks second in points allowed (62.1) and 38th in opponents field goal percentage (40.9). The Raiders have held opponents to 60 points or less 16 times this season, going 14-2 in those contest (both losses coming against Chipola).
COUGARS' RESUME
Barton had an impressive season in 2023-24. The Cougars featured the top record in the county at 33-1, earning them a KJCCC Championship, a Region VI Championship, and the top seed in this years national tournament. The Cougars were ranked inside the NJCAA DI top-ten the entire season, and have been ranked inside the top-five since week eight.
Their lone loss this season came at the hand of Cowley back in November - the team the Raiders just defeated - losing to the Tigers 80-70. Outside of this, the Cougars have been flawless, outscoring their opponents by an average of 17.3 points per game.
Barton is fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball. The Cougars rank in the top-30 in points per game (85.5-29th), field goals made per game (31.3-29th), free-throw attempts (23.6-30th), offensive rebounds (14.5-10th), total rebounds (42.6-15th), turnovers forced (11.6-22nd), steals (10.4-21st), points allowed (68.2-28th) and opponents field goal percentage (39.3-24th).
RAIDERS TOURNAMENT HISTORY
Northwest Florida will be making their 14th National Tournament appearance on Monday - eighth in the last ten years. The Raiders have an overall record of 43-18 in the big dance, which includes three National Championships (1995, 2015, 2022) and three runner-up finishes (2012, 2013, 2023). In addition, the Raiders have produced three National Tournament MVPs: Larry Coast (1995), Brandon Austin (2015) and Deshawndre Washington (2022).
IF THEY ADVANCE
Should the Raiders advance, they will play again on Thursday, March 28, at 5:00 PT (CDT) against the winner of game 19, which could either be No.4 Vincennes, No.13 Odessa, No. 5 Indian Hills, or No. 21 Wallace. The winner of Thursday's matchup will advance to Saturday's Championship game at 1:00 PM (CDT)
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)
#GORAIDERS #SOUNDTHESIREN