Raiders Overcome Adversity, Defeat Pensacola 66-62
NICEVILLE, Fla. – Northwest Florida came away with a 66-62 win over the Pensacola State Pirates on Wednesday afternoon in Hartsell Arena. The Raiders improve to 22-3, 10-1 in Panhandle Conference play.
The Raiders were able to overcome adversity tonight as they were without Sakima Walker, who missed the game due to a death in her family. In Walker's absence, Marissa Gasaway came up big time, scoring 13 points and 7 rebounds. Gasaway, who averages 10.4 minutes/game, played 33 minutes tonight and played a crucial role in the Raiders win.
Despite Sakima Walker's absence, the Raiders were still able to hold their weight in the paint as the Pirates recorded 32 rebounds while Northwest Florida grabbed 31. Destiney McPhaul led the Raiders with 10 rebounds. McPhaul had 11 points, recording her 3rd double-double of the season. 4 Raiders were in double figures tonight with Zayla Tinner leading the way at 16 points, while Celia Riviere, Marissa Gasaway, and Destiney McPhaul were all at 13.
#7 Northwest Florida (22-3, 10-1) clinched a share of the Panhandle Conference title tonight with the win over Pensacola State. The Raiders will take on #6 Gulf Coast (24-2, 9-2) to clinch the Panhandle Conference. The Lady Commodores defeated Tallahassee 109-47, extending their winning streak to 7. The last time the Lady Commodores lost was against the Raiders on January 21st in Raider Arena.
For more information on Northwest Florida athletics, visit NWFRaiders.com or follow @NWFRaiders on Twitter and Instagram.