Offense Stays Hot Against Southern Union, Raiders Improve to 3-0

NICEVILLE, Fla. – Northwest Florida State men's basketball improved to 3-0 on the season Friday night after another impressive performance from the offense, which has scored 90 or more points in back-to-back games.

The Raiders were clicking from the jump, with Northwest Florida taking an early double-digit lead in the first half with 13-minutes remaining. At halftime, the raiders had jumped out to a 56-24 lead and were riding on cruise control as everything was falling for their offense.

The team hit a 62% from from the field and from three for the half and had multiple players approaching double-digit scoring figures, emphasizing the strong ball movement the team was displaying throughout the game.

The Raiders didn't let off the gas in the second half. The team wound up scoring 37 more points in the second frame, dropping in four more three's, while showcasing some impressive dunking skills.

By the time the final buzzer sounded, Northwest Florida had five players in double-figures, including, Dwayne Pierce (15), Kauan Raymundo (13) Nathan Ojukwu (13), Braylon Roman (10) and Tyrese Melo-Garcia (10).

In all, it was another all-around solid team performance from a team entering the season with high expectations. Those expectations will be challenged tomorrow night as the Raiders are set to host #3 Daytona State, who came into this very building last season and upset the Raiders. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (CDT).

FIRST HALF

• Northwest Florida State opens the game with a 3-point shot by Curtis Williams, assisted by Nathan Ojukwu, establishing an early lead.
• Southern Union responds with a jump shot by Dennis, bringing the score to 3-2, but the Raiders maintain their lead with a free throw by Williams.
• The Raiders extend their lead with a three-point shot by Ojukwu, assisted by Roman, pushing the score to 2-7.
• The Bison struggle with turnovers and missed shots, allowing the Raiders to capitalize with a dunk by Josh Hayes and layups by Roman and Raymundo.
• After a series of free throws by Davish of Southern Union, the score stands at 13-5, but Northwest maintains control through a layup by Jadarian Faulkner and a tip-in by Raymundo.
• Both teams make substitutions, but the Raiders keep its momentum with consistent scoring from the field, including a three-pointer by Dwayne Pierce and a layup by Roman, widening the lead to 21-7.
• Southern Union adds points with jump shots by Dennis and T. Palmer, but Northwest counters with a three-point shot by Melo-Garcia and a layup by Pierce, increasing their lead.
• The Raiders' defense forces turnovers, and their offense continues to dominate with additional points by Ojukwu and Raymundo, ending the half with a significant lead at 45-16.

SECOND HALF

• Humphrey from Southern Union State fouls early, followed by a turnover by Williams from Northwest Florida.
• Bison score with a tip-in by Palmer, but the Raiders respond with free throws by B. Roman, making the score 57-26.
• The game continues with several missed shots and rebounds on both sides, leading to a scoring layup by Melo-Garcia for Northwest Florida, extending their lead to 60-26.
• Southern Union scores again with a layup by Powell, but the Raiders call a timeout as the score reaches 60-30.
• A series of plays follows with missed shots, offensive rebounds, and free throws. Southern Union narrows the lead slightly, with Thomas scoring free throws and Palmer scoring on free throws as well.
• Hill and teammates take advantage of turnovers and missed shots by Southern Union State, adding to their lead with a layup by Gabriel Martinez and a three-pointer by Logan Bourgeois.
• By the end of this segment, the Raiders pull even further ahead with consistent scoring and defense, reaching a substantial lead of 83-46 after layups and assists, despite Southern Union State's occasional scores.