NWF to Kick Off Conference Play Against Chipola on Saturday
Northwest Florida State vs. Chipola
Saturday, January 13, 2024 | Raider Arena | Niceville, FL
WBB: 2:00 PM | MBB: 4:00 PM
Links: Live Stream | Live Stats-WBB | Live Stats-MBB
TIP OFF
Northwest Florida State men's and women's basketball begin their quest for another Panhandle Conference Championship this Saturday, January 13, as the Raiders get set to host Chipola for the start of conference play.
Bart Walker and his team will get things going at 2:00 PM as the No. 1 ranked Raiders take on the No. 20 Ranked Indians. These two teams met four times last season, where the Raiders swept the Indians, securing all four victories. The last meeting between the two was on March 8, 2023, during the FCSAA State Tournament, where NWF returned with a 66-52 victory.
Shortly after the women's game, Steve DeMeo will lead his No. 3 ranked Raiders against the No. 14 ranked Indians. Last season, the Raiders and Indians split the four-game series, each securing a pair of victories. However, the Raiders got the last laugh as NWF defeated Chipola, 61-55, in the FCSAA State Semifinals before advancing to the final, where they would defeat Tallahassee, 89-85.
CHICK-FIL-A DAY
Fans who attend Saturday's game will be treated to a free Chick-fil-A sandwich coupon, while one lucky fan will have the opportunity to win free Chick-fil-A for a year! Make sure to visit the table under the video board for more information.
RAMSEY ROSS FCSAA HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
Fans who stick around after the women's game will get to witness NWF Athletic Director Ramsey Ross' induction into the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Hall of Fame. The FCSAA regulates, coordinates, and promotes intercollegiate activities in Athletics, Brain Bowl, Forensics, Model United Nations, Music, Student Government, Student Publications, and Theatre for the 28 members of the Florida College System.
Each year, the FCSAA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals across the association who have distinguished themselves with outstanding achievement and excellence in one or more FCSAA division. Ross was elected by his peers during May's Council for Athletic Affairs meeting in Daytona Beach.
LAST TIME OUT
Both Raiders men's and women's basketball secured wins their last time out. First, NWF men's basketball took a commanding 84-57 victory over Southwest Mississippi this past weekend after the Raiders saw four of its players score in double-figures. Tajuan Simpkins was the game's leading scorer with 19 points, making it the tenth time he's eclipsed the double-figure scoring mark this season.
Raider women's basketball dominated Volunteer State on the road Monday, securing a 92-39 victory over the Pioneers. Every player who played for the Raiders contributed at least a point, while three players reached double-digit scoring figures. Mya Pierfax led the charge with 18 points, marking a new season-high for the second-year guard out of Lake Elsinore, Calif.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
Both teams enter the weekend Ranked in the NJCAA DI top-three. Raider women remain the number one team in the nation after they extended their record to 15-0 this week and their overall win streak to 19 games. Raider's men jumped back into the top three after falling out of the number one spot in November following a crushing defeat to the current No. 2 ranked Daytona State.
Both teams feature marquee defenses as each ranks inside the NJCAA top ten in points allowed - NWF men rank eighth in NJCAA in points allowed (61.8) while NWF women rank second (42.9). Additionally, Raider women's basketball ranks top-ten in four other categories – sixth in field goals per game (31.9), second in field goal percentage (51.6), first in assists per game (23.9) and fourth in opponents field goal percentage (30.6)
PANHANDLE CONFERENCE STANDINGS
MEN'S BASKETBALL
TEAM CONFERENCE OVERALL
Northwest Florida 0-0 17-1
Chipola 0-0 16-1
Gulf Coast 0-0 13-4
Tallahassee 0-0 13-4
Pensacola 0-0 11-6
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
TEAM CONFERENCE OVERALL
Northwest Florida 0-0 5-0
Pensacola 0-0 16-1
Gulf Coast 0-0 15-1
Chipola 0-0 16-2
Tallahassee 0-0 4-9
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