Raider Finish 2023 With a 84-58 Victory Over Santa Fe
GAINESVILLE, Florida – Northwest Florida women's basketball notched their 14th victory of the season on Saturday following a commanding 84-58 win over Santa Fe College to keep their perfect season alive and extend their overall win streak to 18 games.
The Saints played the Raiders tight in the first quarter. Still, Bart Walkers' defense proved too much to handle as the Raiders quickly jumped out to a double-digit lead in the second quarter – a lead they would maintain throughout the remainder of the game.
FIRST QUARTER
Jaela Davis initiated the scoring for the Raiders with a fast-break layup, seizing the opportunity after a steal on the opposite end of the court. However, the Saints quickly gained an early 6-2 lead within the first two and a half minutes, capitalizing on a couple of Raider turnovers. Destiny McPhaul turned the tide, reclaiming the Raider lead with a successful three-pointer and a transition layup, bringing the score to 7-6. Despite trailing by three, the Saints managed to tie the game at 11 with a well-executed triple from the wing, approximately five minutes left in the period. Destiney McPhaul responded emphatically with back-to-back threes, propelling the Raiders to a 17-11 lead as the first quarter approached its conclusion. After the initial period of play, NWF held a 24-13 lead over Santa Fe.
SECOND QUARTER
The Saints managed to narrow the Raider lead back to single digits after converting three consecutive baskets following the break. Jaela Davis swiftly restored the double-digit advantage for the Raiders with a three from the wing, elevating them to an 11-point lead with 6:30 remaining in the half. Mekhia Chase contributed to NWF's dominance, extending their lead to 15 points with consecutive fastbreak layups, establishing a 38-23 lead with just over four minutes left in the half. Celia Riviere added to the Raiders' offensive prowess by knocking down a three from the top of the arc, further extending their lead to 42-26. Jaela Davis concluded the first half in remarkable fashion, draining a deep three at the buzzer, securing a commanding 51-28 lead for the Raiders over the Saints as they headed into the halftime break.
THIRD QUARTER
Celia Riviere set the tone for the second period by knocking down a couple of layups, initiating the Raiders' scoring in the quarter. Jaela Davis showcased her offensive prowess, interrupting the Saints' brief scoring run with a well-executed pull-up jumper from the elbow, propelling the Raiders to a 60-38 lead with under four minutes remaining in the quarter. In the waning moments of the third quarter, the Saints fouled Deborah Davenport, who confidently capitalized on both free throw opportunities, further extending the Raiders' lead to 24. As the teams entered the final quarter, NWF maintained a commanding 66-44 lead over Santa Fe.
FOURTH QUARTER
Jade Ondimeme initiated the final period of play for the Raiders with an impressive reverse layup, extending NWF's lead to a comfortable 20 points. In response to a three-pointer from the Saints, Alison Ferguson executed a straightforward layup beneath the basket, capitalizing on an assist from Jaela Davis, with just over six minutes remaining in the game. Nevaeh Scott orchestrated a beautiful play, delivering a precise pass to a cutting Celia Riviere off an inbound for an effortless layup, further solidifying the Raiders' lead at 72-55. Despite a late push by Santa Fe, NWF maintained their double-digit advantage and secured their 14th win of the season, maintaining a perfect 14-0 record.
UP NEXT
The Raiders are set to resume their on-court action in 2024, kicking off with a game against Motlow State on January 6, followed by a matchup against Volunteer State two days later. Subsequently, they will dive into their conference schedule, commencing on January 13 with a home game against Chipola.
For complete coverage of Northwest Florida State Athletics, visit nwfraiders.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Northwest Florida Raiders), Instagram (@nwfraiders) and X (@NWFRaiders)
#GORAIDERS #SOUNDTHESIREN