NWF Moves to 18-0 Following 66-42 Victory Over Pensacola
NICEVILLE, Florida – On Wednesday night, Northwest Florida State women's basketball extended their undefeated streak to a flawless 18-0 for the season and maintained a perfect 3-0 record in Panhandle Conference play with another impressive double-digit victory over No. 13 Pensacola.
The Raiders' defensive prowess was on full display as they limited the Pirates to a season-low 23.3% field goal percentage. Dominating the rebound battle, the Raiders secured an impressive 47 rebounds, outclassing the Pirates by a margin of 16. As a collectivet unit, the Raiders exhibited efficient shooting, boasting a 47.2% field goal percentage and an impressive 50.0% success rate from three-point range.
Four Raiders achieved double-digit scoring margins, with Mya Pierfax (15) and Destiney McPhaul (14) leading the charge, combining for a total of 29 points. Celia Riviere continued her stellar performance, recording her 14th consecutive double-digit scoring output, resulting in her sixth double-double of the season with ten points and 11 rebounds. Deborah Davenport delivered a standout performance, achieving her first career double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds in the contest.
The 2023-24 Raiders have now etched their name in history as the third team in the Bart Walker era to commence a season with a pristine 18-0 record, tying the 2021-22 team for the second-best start during his seven-year tenure. Undeniably the team to beat, the Raiders have consistently outscored all but one opponent (Salt Lake, week one) by double digits this season, and secured their third victory over an NJCAA top-25 opponent.
FIRST QUARTER
The Raiders initiated the game with an impressive 8-0 run, sparked by a three-pointer from Deborah Davenport and capped off with a three from Mya Pier Fax. Pensacola managed to get on the scoreboard with a three, narrowing their deficit with 4:24 remaining in the opening period. Mya Pierfax extended the lead to nine points at 2:24, capitalizing on a pair of second-chance layups. Pensacola's only other points in the quarter came from splitting a pair of free throws, while Pierfax mirrored the action, making it a 13-4 game by the end of the quarter.
SECOND QUARTER
After a nearly three-minute scoring drought, Naveah Scott pushed the Raiders into double digits with a layup just over seven minutes into the second quarter. Jaila Davis reached the 20-point mark with a three, assisted by Davenport. Davenport contributed to the next four points, bringing the score to 24-5 with just under four minutes to play in the half. The Raiders' defense was outstanding in the second quarter, holding the Pirates scoreless from the field. Pensacola's only two points came from free throws—one at seven minutes and the other in the final stages of the second. At halftime, NWF led Pensacola 35-6.
THIRD QUARTER
Pensacola ended their over 12-minute field goal drought with a layup 1:19 into the third quarter. Kyla McBride responded, making it a 31-point game with a layup on the next possession. With 6:30 remaining in the third, Destiney McPhaul extended the Raiders' lead to 42-10 with a three-pointer. Deannasty Smith contributed a layup, assisted by Pierfax, reaching 50 points for the Raiders in the final minute of the third period. The Raiders closed the quarter with a substantial 29-point advantage, heading to the final frame with a commanding 52-23 lead.
FOURTH QUARTER
McPhaul widened the Raiders' lead to 32 points with a successful triple just under nine minutes into the fourth quarter. Pierfax added her second three of the game with 6:18 remaining, bringing NWF to 60 points and a 30-point cushion. A 10-2 run by the Pirates over the next four minutes narrowed the gap to within 22, but the Raiders secured a 66-42 victory.
UP NEXT
The Raiders face a challenging road matchup this weekend against second-ranked Gulf Coast, promising one of the more exciting matchups of the 2023-24 basketball season. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM (CST) in Panama City.
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