Davenport and Chase Lead the Charge in Raiders Win Over DME Academy

NICEVILLE, FL – Starting the season with back-to-back wins at home is an impressive feat, and the Northwest Florida State women's basketball team achieved just that on Saturday by defeating DME Academy for their second victory of the young season.

The Raiders were powered by standout performances from Deborah Davenport and Mekhia Chase, who combined for a total of 34 points. Davenport led all scorers with 18 points and contributed nine rebounds, six of which were offensive. Chase had an efficient outing, making five of her ten shot attempts, including a three-pointer, to finish with 16 points and three assists.

DME Academy's leading scorer was Barnes, who tallied 16 points and hit three three-pointers while shooting just under 50%.

The Raiders set the tone with a strong first half, shooting 44% from the field and making eight out of ten free throw attempts, helping them build a 32-14 lead. They maintained their momentum in the second half, continuing to draw fouls, capitalize on DME's turnovers, and dominate on the boards. Northwest Florida finished the game with a plus-10 rebounding margin, including a plus-5 edge in offensive rebounds.

A combination of standout individual performances, solid defense, and strong rebounding secured the victory for Northwest Florida State. The team now looks ahead to their next challenge against East Mississippi on Wednesday, November 6, at Raider Arena.

FIRST QUARTER

• The game started with turnovers and missed shots from both teams. Northwest Florida State capitalized on their defensive rebounds and a few steals, leading to their first points with a free throw by K. Corporan and a layup by D. Davenport assisted by M. Chase, making the score 3-0.
• DME Academy responded with a jump shot by S. Locatelli, narrowing the score to 2-5. The Raiders continued to hustle, forcing turnovers and getting offensive rebounds but struggled with missed opportunities under the basket.
• M. Chase scored on a jump shot to extend Northwest Florida's lead to 7-2, followed by a successful three-pointer by K. McBride, assisted by Chase, pushing the lead to 10-2. D. Davenport added a layup and a free throw, increasing their advantage to 13-2.
• The Raiders maintained control with efficient defense and free throws, despite a late surge from DME Academy with two three-pointers by L. Barnes, ending the quarter with the Raiders leading 15-8.

SECOND QUARTER

• Early in the quarter, DME Academy reduced the score gap with a layup, but Northwest Florida State College responded strongly, scoring with a layup and free throws, extending their lead.
• A series of turnovers and missed opportunities marked both teams' play, with key rebounds and fouls adding to the intensity. The Raiders' defense led to multiple steals and scoring opportunities.
• The middle of the quarter saw a mix of missed shots and free throws, with DME Academy attempting to narrow the gap. However, Northwest Florida's consistent scoring kept them ahead.
• The quarter concluded with defensive rebounds and turnovers from both teams, with the Raiders maintaining a lead at 32-14, highlighted by Davenport's last-second layup.

THIRD QUARTER

• DME Academy began making progress, narrowing the score with effective plays, including free throws and layups by S. Hickey and T. Gladieux. A notable run brought DME Academy up to 22-32 at 8:01.
• Despite their efforts, Northwest Florida State College's defensive rebounds and turnovers helped maintain their lead. Key 3-point shots by N. Scott and M. Chase, and assists from K. Corporan, extended their advantage.
• DME Academy's T. Gladieux showed strong defensive and offensive plays with steals and layups.
• The quarter ended with the Raiders holding a solid lead of 48-31, thanks to consistent scoring and critical assists.

FOURTH QUARTER

• The Raiders maintained a steady lead through effective scoring by McBride, Davenport, and Pollard, and strong defensive rebounding.
• Despite contributions from Barnes and De La Cruz, DME faced difficulties with turnovers, missed shots, and fouls that limited their scoring.
• The Raiders' defensive pressure, including steals by McBride and Pollard, disrupted DME's attempts to close the gap.
• Substitutions and missed opportunities marked the final moments, with DME unable to capitalize, while Northwest Florida sealed the game, winning 58-41.