Raiders Set for First Round Bout with Eastern Florida
NICEVILLE, Fla. – No. 5 Northwest Florida women's basketball is set for its first-round matchup against No. 22 Eastern Florida in the FCSAA/Region VIII State Tournament set for Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m. in Raider Arena.
The Raiders (24-4) enter the tournament as the outright Panhandle Conference champion for the first time in 24 seasons. NWF shared the title with Gulf Coast last season.
Northwest Florida defeated Eastern Florida earlier in the season on Dec. 13, 73-52, as part of the NWF Classic. Reneasha Payton and Rayven Peeples led the team with 16 points each, while Chanaya Pinto had 15.
Milan Schimmel paced the Titans with 25 points on 11-of-21 shooting, including three 3-pointers.
Riding a six-game winning streak, the Raiders look to qualify for the NJCAA National Championship tournament for the third consecutive season and the sixth time in the last eight years.
NWF ranks third in the nation in points per game allowed (49.4), seventh in opponent's field goal percentage (32.6), and 12th in field goal percentage (45.8).
HOW TO FOLLOW
Where: Raider Arena
When: Thursday, March 5
Cost: $25 Tournament Pass, $10 Single-game pass (available at Box Office the day of game only)
Website: NWFRaiders.com/Region8Tourney
Video: Emerald Coast TV
Twitter: @NWF_Raiders or @RegionVIIIHoops
For more information on Northwest Florida athletics, visit NWFRaiders.com or follow us on Twitter at @NWF_Raiders.