Raiders cruise past TCC to win Panhandle Conference Crown outright

TALLAHASSEE, FL - For the fourth consecutive year, the Northwest Florida State College women's basketball program will again reside at the top at the Panhandle Conference standings at the conclusion of the regular season.  The Raiders, having already clinched at least a share of the title with the victory over Chipola on Wednesday, wasted no time in staking an outright claim to the conference championship.  NWF smothered TCC all afternoon in route to an 82-50 victory in a game that saw the Raiders click on every cylinder.  The win improves NWF to 23-2 overall and 9-2 in league play.

Before the bus got cold, the Raiders were racing out of the gate like thoroughbreds.  The quick 10-0 run set the tone for the rest of the game and the half court defensive pressure provided by NWF gave the Eagles fits the entire 40 minutes.  The numerous turnovers created by the Raiders led to instant offense and plenty of transition baskets.

The outstanding Raider effort allowed plenty of playing time for everyone in the NWF lineup.  It was extra benefit for head coach Bart Walker, who got his reserves extensive minutes and his starters received some much needed rest after their third game in seven days.  Nearly every Northwest Florida player scored in the game, and the Raiders were led in that category by Shelbee Brown with 18 points, Last-Tear Poa had 13, and Ines Piper added 12. 

Northwest Florida will enjoy the mid-week BYE before returning to action on Saturday, February 19 when they host Pensacola at 2:00 p.m. for their regular season finale. 

For more information on Northwest Florida State athletics, visit NWFRaiders.com or follow @NWFRaiders on Twitter.