Second Half Surge Powers Raiders to 66-53 Win Over No. 9 Pearl River

NICEVILLE, Florida – In yet another standout performance, the Northwest Florida State women's basketball team extended their undefeated streak to 11-0 for the season by securing a 66-53 victory against No. 9-ranked Pearl River on Friday night. Key contributors Destiney McPhaul, Kyla McBride, and Celia Riviere delivered impressive performances that played a pivotal role in the Raiders' success.

The triumphant trio collectively contributed 50 points to the Raiders' win, with McPhaul and McBride each notching 17 points, while Riviere added 16. Beyond scoring, both McPhaul and Riviere made significant contributions in rebounds and assists. McPhaul concluded the game with five rebounds and five assists, while Riviere posted eight rebounds and five assists.

As a cohesive unit, the Raiders showcased their efficiency, boasting a 55.1% shooting accuracy from the field, including an impressive 66.0% in the second half. Dominating the boards, NWF out-rebounded the Wildcats by a substantial plus 19 margin, tallying 39 total rebounds in the game. The team also exhibited excellent teamwork with an advantageous plus-eight differential in assists.

This victory holds special significance for the Raiders as it marks their first win of the season against a top-ten NJCAA opponent. Undoubtedly, the Raiders are reinforcing their claim as the number one team in the nation by triumphing over one of the country's elite teams, maintaining their flawless record.

FIRST QUARTER

• The opening quarter was a closely contested affair with limited scoring from both the Raiders and Wildcats.

• The combined field goal accuracy for both teams stood at just five shots made out of 21 attempts.

• The Raiders faced challenges in ball possession, committing 10 turnovers, six of which resulted in steals credited to Pearl River.

• At the conclusion of the initial ten minutes, Pearl River held a narrow 9-8 lead over NWF.

SECOND QUARTER

• The second quarter witnessed increased action from both sides. The Raiders improved their shooting efficiency from 36.6% in the first quarter to 50.0%, going 7-14 from the floor. However, three-point attempts remained a struggle, with only one successful conversion out of nine attempts.

• Destiney McPhaul broke the three-point drought with a shot from the wing at the 5:29 mark, giving the Raiders their first lead since the closing minutes of the first quarter.

• Nevaeh Scott's layup just over a minute before halftime extended the Raiders' lead to five points.

• Pearl River managed a shot with 17 seconds left in the half, narrowing the Wildcats' deficit to one and setting the halftime score at 23-22 in favor of the Raiders.

THIRD QUARTER

• The Raiders emerged from halftime with intensity, hitting consecutive threes to establish a seven-point lead over the Wildcats.

• Pearl River struggled to find the basket, not connecting on a field goal until five minutes into the third quarter.

• Destiney McPhaul's third triple of the game with 3:33 left in the period expanded NWF's lead to six points.

• A jumper from Kyla McBride and a free throw from Deannasty Smith pushed the Raiders' lead to eight as the final minute of the quarter approached.

• NWF closed the third quarter with a 60.0% shooting efficiency, heading into the final quarter with a 44-37 advantage.

FOURTH QUARTER

• The Raiders opened the fourth quarter with four consecutive makes, including a Kyla McBride three, establishing their first double-digit lead at 53-37.

• The Wildcats responded with a three of their own, reducing the Raiders' lead to 13.

• Pearl River managed only one field goal in the next five minutes, allowing NWF to surge to a 64-43 advantage with just over two minutes remaining.

• Ultimately, the Raiders maintained their significant lead, securing a 66-53 victory over the formidable Wildcats and marking their 11th win of the season.

UP NEXT

This game concludes the Raiders' home contests for the remainder of 2023. The team now prepares for an away game in Georgia against Southern Crescent on December 5, a team they convincingly defeated earlier in the season with a commanding score of 101-40.