Raiders Defeat Three Rivers, Advancing Them to Final Four
CASPER, Wyo. — For the second straight year, Northwest Florida State women's basketball is advancing to the Final Four of the NJCAA Women's Championship for a chance at advancing to their third National Championship in four years.
The Raiders controlled this game from the jump. Northwest Florida jumped out to an early 12-2 lead in the first four and half minutes of play, highlighted by Deborah Davenport, who ended up with eight points in the first quarter. Northwest Florida shot a very efficient 60.0% from the field in that first period of play, while Three Rivers only shot 28.6% from the field in that first period of play, connecting on only four shots. This allowed Northwest Florida to take a ten points lead (19-9) after ten minutes of play.
The Raiders (NWF) were able to extend their double-digit lead to as big as 18 points in the second quarter after a 12-0 run pushed Northwest Florida out in front 31-13. However, Three Rivers responded with an 8-2 run in the final stages of the first half, ultimately narrowing their deficit back to single digits (36-27) before the break.
Destiney McPhaul and Deborah Davenport led Northwest Florida with eight points each, while both had recorded multiple rebounds. Mekhia Chase was also doing her part, producing six points and a pair of rebounds in the first half.
The third period saw very little scoring from either side. Northwest Florida only hit three shots and a pair of free throws for eight points, while Three Rivers also made three shots, but no free throws, for six points in the quarter. At the end of the quarter, Northwest Florida still held a 11-point lead over Three Rivers.
The final quarter saw the most offensive production from both sides the entire game. Northwest Florida shot a near perfect eight of ten from the field (80.%) while Three Rivers shot 50.0% but hit the same amount of shots (eight) as Northwest Florida. Just like the Game before, McPhaul and Davenport Continued to be the driving force behind the Raiders' offense, combining for 16 points in the final quarter, helping Northwest Florida maintain a double digit lead and seal another victory.
Once again, McPhaul and Davenport led the way for the Raiders (NWF). McPhaul scored a game-high 18 points with seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and a block. Davenport scored 14 points, adding five rebounds, two assists, three steals and three blocks. Nevaeh Scott was the only other Raider to reach double figures, scoring ten points for the contest.
As a team, Northwest Florida shot 52.2% from the field as a team, while holding Three Rivers to just 30.5% from the field for the game. Northwest Florida also carried advantages over Three Rivers in rounds (+3), assists (+4) and blocks (+7).
Northwest Florida now advanced to their third final four appearance in the last four years as they look to go to their third National Championship game in four years as well. They will have to get through Wabash Valley who's had an incredible season, going 29-2 on the season, earning a No. 2 seed in this years tournament. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:15 PM (CDT).