Raiders Close Out Regular Season In Panama City Saturday

Game 27

#6 Northwest Florida State (23-3) at #2 Gulf Coast (24-3)

March 2, 2024 | 2:00 PM (CST) | Panama City, FL

Links: Live Stream

TIP-OFF  

Northwest Florida State women's basketball will conclude their regular season schedule Saturday afternoon in Panama City, facing off against the No. 2 ranked Gulf Coast Commodores. This matchup marks the third encounter between the Raiders and Commodores this season. With Gulf Coast leading the series 2-0, they've already secured a share of the Panhandle Conference Championship and a spot in the Region 8 Tournament in two weeks.

The Raiders have also booked their place in this month's tournament, joining five other schools who have already punched their ticket. A victory in Panama City tomorrow would not only bolster their tournament position but also give them a chance to claim a share of the Panhandle conference title. Currently ranked sixth nationally, the Raiders trail the Commodores by one game in the Panhandle Conference standings.

STATE TOURNAMENT PASSES ON SALE

The 2024 FCSAA/NJCAA Region 8 Basketball Tournament is just around the corner, and fans now have the opportunity to purchase tournament passes. NWF and Raider Arena are thrilled to host the tournament for the fifth consecutive year. Mark your calendars for March 13-16 to experience the excitement as top teams from the Panhandle and Citrus conferences compete for a shot at advancing to the NJCAA National Tournament. Secure your tournament pass for $40 at our Region 8 website https://nwfraiders.com/tournaments/Region8Tourney. 

LAST TIME OUT

Northwest Florida State women's basketball celebrated their final regular-season home game with an emphatic 89-56 victory over Pensacola Wednesday, improving to 8-3 in conference play and boasting a stellar 10-2 record at home.

As the spotlight shone on the Raiders' sophomores in their farewell home game, Celia Riviere and Destiney McPhaul delivered standout performances, each showcasing career-best efforts. Riviere led the charge with a remarkable 29-point display, securing her seventh double-double of the season with 10 rebounds and six assists. McPhaul matched her career-high scoring record with 24 points, contributing six assists and five rebounds to the team's impressive performance.

The Raiders' collective shooting prowess was on full display, with a remarkable 61.4% shooting accuracy, including a solid 40.0% from beyond the arc. Defensively, they effectively controlled the Pirates' offense, limiting them to a 34.0% shooting rate, including 33.3% from three-point range. Additionally, Northwest Florida State dominated the boards, out-rebounding their opponents by a staggering 14 rebounds.

PANHANDLE CONFERENCE STANDINGS

 * Clinched Tournament Birth

^ Clinched Play-In Game

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)

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