Northwest Florida closes the regular season with a 71-61 win over Pensacola

NICEVILLE, FL - It would only be fitting for the 2021-22 women's basketball Panhandle Conference Champions to close out the season at home in the winner's circle.  For much of the first half against the visiting Pensacola Pirates, that outcome was anything but assured.  The Raiders got down early after a rough first quarter, but scrapped their way back in the second period to take a slim lead into the half.  From there,  NWF never looked back and produced the final act to the regular season the Raider faithful were hoping for….a win and continued momentum heading into the post-season.  The 71-61 victory completes the Raiders' regular season record at 24-2 and 10-2 in conference play.

The Raiders began the ballgame sluggish by their lofty standards and Pensacola took advantage.  Offensively, NWF was adequate but defensively they were not themselves, allowing the Pirates to score 20 first quarter points.  Obviously the discussion on the NWF bench in between the first and second quarters was effective.  The Raiders ratcheted up the defensive intensity and limited Pensacola to 8 second quarter points and forced numerous turnovers that led to instant offense on the other end. 

Once Northwest Florida took over the lead with a few minutes remaining in the half, they never relinquished it for the remainder of the game.  Raider mainstays Last-Tear Poa and Shelbee Brown carried the bulk of the scoring load, with Poa tallying a game-high 21 points and Brown adding 16. Additionally, NWF owned the rebounding margin to the tune of a 44-29 advantage, thanks in large part to Brown's 8 boards and a terrific effort from Sabou Gueye, who snatched 12 for the game.

With the regular season now in the books, the Raiders will now turn their attention to the post-season.  NWF will begin their journey in the same spot they ended the regular season, Raider Arena, when they start play in the FCSAA State/NJCAA Region VIII Tournament on March 2.

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