Raiders Heading to Mobile for Mid-Week Game Against Bishop State

GAME 7

#19 Northwest Florida State (4-2) at Bishop State (4-1)

Nov. 21 | 7:30 PM CDT | Mobile, AL

STREAM LINK: www.youtube.com/c/BishopStateWildcatsAthletics

NICEVILLE, Fla. – Northwest Florida State men's basketball is preparing for its second road trip of the season, this time heading to Mobile, Alabama, for a matchup against Bishop State.

The Raiders are seeking a reset after a tough showing in New York last week, where they dropped back-to-back games to #25 Harcum and Monroe (RV).

Before those losses, Northwest Florida was off to a blazing start, winning their first four games and climbing from sixth to third in the NJCAA national poll. However, after last week, the Raiders now sit at #19 in the latest rankings and are eager to bounce back ahead of a challenging schedule.

A win against Bishop State could provide the momentum the Raiders need as they face a tough stretch, including games against #3 Trinity Valley (11/26) and #2 Panola (11/27).

The Wildcats, however, won't make it easy. At 4-1, their only loss this season came against #4 Jones College (87-71). This matchup promises to be a battle between two high-scoring offenses and strong rebounding teams.

Labeling a game as a must-win this early in the season might feel premature. However, considering the recent setbacks and the tough schedule ahead, this matchup carries significant weight for Steve DeMeo and the Raiders as they work to regain momentum and stay on track toward their ultimate goal of a national championship.

FAST BREAKS

• Northwest Florida jumped up three spots dropped 16 spots in the latest NJCAA media poll, from #3 to #19 following to crushing losses to Harcum and Monroe in New York last week.
• The Raiders are in the midst of their toughest stretch of the season, facing off against three teams with a combined record of 12-1, including formidable top three opponents Trinity Valley and Panola.
• The Raiders are an athletic group that has a knack for scoring the ball. They currently average 82.8 points per game and do so with efficiency, shooting 48.2% as a team, which ranks 55th nationally. The Raiders are also good at rebounding averaging 40.2 boards a game, including 15.0 offensive boards a game, which ranks 43rd nationally.
• On the other side, the Wildcats boast similar stats, averaging 78.0 points on 46.7% shooting, 40 rebounds and 11.5 assists per game. They have four players averaging double-figures, indulging Seth Grandberry (14.5), Kedar Bodie (13.5), Marvin McGhee (12.0) and Joseph Frazier (10.5).
• Four Raiders are currently averaging double figures in scoring: Dwayne Pierce (14.0), Curtis Williams (11.7),  Josh Hayes (11.2) Braylon Roman (10.3).

RETURNING FOR THE RAIDERS

• Steve DeMeo returns for his ninth season at Northwest Florida, marking his third year in his second stint with the Raiders.
• The Raiders head into the 2024-25 season with an entirely new roster, as no players from last season's lineup will be returning. The only returning players, Tyrese-Melo Garcia and Gabriel Martinez, both redshirted last season.
• The team welcomes several NCAA Division I transfers aiming to make an immediate impact, including Davion Hill (Missouri State), Logan Bourgeois (East Carolina), Curtis Williams (Pepperdine), Josh Hayes (Appalachian State), Nathan Ojukwu (Illinois-Chicago), and Dwayne Pierce (Iowa State).

TEAM LEADERS