Raiders Cap Non-Conference Play with Ninth Straight Victory, Clinch 1,000th Program Win

NICEVILLE, Fla. – Over 45 seasons in the making, Northwest Florida State men's basketball has reached an extraordinary milestone—earning their 1,000th program victory with an 82-56 win over Bishop State. The victory also marked their ninth straight win heading into conference play.

Throughout the program's rich history, the Raiders have built a legacy of success, capturing 3 national championships, 10 NJCAA Region VIII/FCSAA State Championships, and 16 Panhandle Conference titles. The Raiders have also secured multiple Runner-Up, Final Four, and Elite Eight finishes along the way.

This victory not only marks the program's historic 1,000th win but also reflects the relentless dedication of its players, coaches, and athletic staff who work tirelessly each year to sustain a winning tradition. Northwest Florida State Men's Basketball exemplifies what it means to be an elite two-year basketball program, and this milestone win is a testament to that standard.

The Raiders controlled the game from start to finish, dominating Bishop State in every facet. The Wildcats managed to keep it close for the first five minutes, but a decisive 11-0 run by Northwest Florida between the 15- and 10-minute marks gave the Raiders a commanding 23-10 advantage. From that point, Northwest Florida capitalized on points in the paint and transition opportunities, showcasing an offense and defense firing on all cylinders. By halftime, the Raiders had built a comfortable 45-26 lead.

In the second half, Bishop State attempted to chip away at the lead, but the Raiders' offensive firepower proved insurmountable. Davion Hill (15 points) and Josh Hayes (14 points) caused constant headaches for the Wildcats, while contributions from other players across offense, defense, and rebounding ensured the Raiders remained in full control.

When the final buzzer sounded, Northwest Florida celebrated an 82-56 victory, closing out their non-conference schedule on a high note. With a nine-game win streak in hand, the Raiders head into Panhandle Conference play brimming with momentum.

STATS / PERFORMANCES OF NOTE

• Davion Hill led the charge off the bench, scoring 15 points and hitting double figures for the seventh consecutive game.
• Josh Hayes delivered another strong performance, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, and two steals.
• Dwayne Pierce (12 points) and Nathan Ojukwu also reached double digits, adding to the offensive firepower.
• Gabe Martinez matched Hayes' five rebounds, tying his career high, while contributing four points and two blocks alongside Rupee Kolawole, who added similar numbers.
• The Raiders dominated the paint with 48 points inside and saw 42 points off the bench, emphasizing their depth and versatility.
• Transition play was key, as Northwest Florida scored 30 fastbreak points, including 26 off turnovers.
• The team posted an impressive 58.5% shooting percentage, including 40.0% from three with four makes.
• At the free-throw line, the Raiders shot 80.0%, marking their second-best performance this season. Their best came on November 2 against South Georgia Tech with a perfect 100%.
• The Raiders controlled the stat sheet, winning key categories like rebounds, assists, turnovers, and steals by margins of plus-five or more.

UP NEXT

The Raiders will enjoy a week off before kicking off conference play on January 11. They'll host Tallahassee State at home, with tip-off set to follow the women's game at 2:00 p.m.