Raiders Pull Ahead Late to Take Down No. 1 Chipola

MARIANNA, Fla. – In the third of four regular season matchups between two of the nation's top teams, Northwest Florida State women's basketball prevailed, 65-60, over Chipola on Saturday.

Last-Tear Poa turned in a career performance with 30 points, nearly half of the team's offensive output. The freshman was 10-of-16 from the field, 4-of-5 from three-point range and 6-for-6 from the free throw line. 

In a game that saw nine lead changes with neither team leading by more than 10, Northwest Florida used a dominant fourth quarter to pull away.

The Raiders (15-1, 11-1 PC) outscored the Indians 22-9 in the final quarter and 17-7 over the final seven minutes.

Trailing by eight after three quarters, Northwest Florida used the three-pointer to edge ahead. Kynadi Kuykendoll hit a three with 6:20 to play to hand the Raiders their first lead since the first half. Laura Taylor knocked down her second of two treys moments later to increase the advantage to four, 59-55.

Taylor finished with eight points. Kuykendoll had five points with eight assists.

Despite shooting just 37.9 percent (22-58) for the game, NWF made 13-of-14 free throws as a team and held its opponent to just 30 percent from the field in the second half. 

The teams had traded road wins in the first two meetings this season. Northwest Florida took down Chipola on Feb. 13 in the first contest, 56-43, before the Indians got their revenge on Feb. 27, 59-58, in Raider Arena.

NWF returns home to take on Pensacola on March 17. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.

For more information on Northwest Florida State Athletics, visit NWFRaiders.com or follow the team on Twitter at @NWFRaiders.