Northwest Florida Drops Tough Contest to Gulf Coast

NICEVILLE, Fla. – Northwest Florida fell into an early hole and couldn't quite climb back into the game as the top-seeded and No. 2 nationally ranked Raiders fell to No. 5 seed Gulf Coast, 78-72, on Friday in Raider Arena.

The Raiders' fate will be revealed during the NJCAA Selection Show on Sunday at 4:30 p.m., where NWF hope to secure an at-large bid.

Northwest Florida had won the four regular season meetings with the Commodores this season and had won the last six matchups in the series dating back to last season.

The Raiders (20-2) fell behind by double digits in the second quarter after shooting just 3-of-14 in the frame. Gulf Coast built a 14-point advantage late in the quarter and later built its lead to 16 points in the second half.

After trailing by 12 at the break, Northwest Florida erased the deficit in just five minutes tying the game at 37-all on a layup by Inès Piper and, for a moment, took a one-point lead on a Last-Tear Poa free throw.

From there, the Commodores outscored NWF 15-4 over the final four minutes of the third quarter and shot 53.8 percent in the fourth to keep the Raiders at arm's length.

Poa led Northwest Florida with 21 points on a 7-for-16 effort from the field. Masengo Mutanda scored 20, while Shelbee Brown paced the Raiders on the boards with 11 to go along with seven points. Piper finished the game 10 points and 10 rebounds.

As a team, Northwest Florida shot 43.3 percent (29-67), but converted just 3 of 19 three-pointers.

The NJCAA Selection Show is set to air at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday on the NJCAA Network.

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