Northwest Florida Cruises to 78-26 Victory Over East Mississippi Wednesday Night

NICEVILLE, Fla. – The #2 Northwest Florida State women's basketball team earned their third win of the season Wednesday night with an impressive 78-26 victory over East Mississippi. This win brings the Raiders' home record under Coach Bart Walker to 79-10 since 2017, with only five home losses since the 2020-21 season.

The offense was in top form, with freshman standouts Kayla Williams and Kamryn Corporan leading the scoring with 15 and 13 points, respectively. Corporan also contributed six rebounds and five steals, raising her season average to 6.3 steals per game.

Redshirt sophomore Deborah Davenport showcased her strength on defense and the boards, recording a game-high 13 rebounds and four blocks while adding nine points.

The Raiders achieved their best shooting performance of the season, with a 54.5% field goal percentage and 57.1% from three-point range. Defensively, they were dominant, forcing 21 turnovers from the Lions, while accumulating eight blocks and 16 steals. The Raiders also controlled the glass with a +25 rebounding advantage.

The Raiders took control early, establishing a 17-5 lead in the first quarter and stretching it to a 25-point lead by halftime, 41-16. Their defense held East Mississippi to under 20% shooting in the first half, capitalizing on costly Lion turnovers.

Coach Walker utilized the second half to give newcomers and freshmen more playing time, allowing Corporan and Williams to showcase their skills and ultimately finish as the game's leading scorers.

Overall, this solid early-season performance sets up the Raiders for a challenging weekend against FCSAA rival Santa Fe and national powerhouse #11 Southern Idaho. Hopefully this game gives them the needed momentum for those contest, which promise to be competitive

FRIST HALF

• Northwest Florida State opens the game strong with a layup from Chase, assisted by Davenport, followed by another layup from Kyla McBride, assisted by Scott, bringing the score to 4-0.
• Key plays include a steal by Corporan leading to a layup, along with a layup by Ka'Zahria Johnson, assisted by McBride. Northwest Florida leads 10-3.
• The Raiders build on their lead with a layup and a free throw from Jade Ondineme after a steal, extending their advantage to 15-3.
• East Mississippi fights back with a tip-in by Lafayette and a late three-pointer from Wagner, closing the first quarter at 17-10 in Northwest Florida's favor.
• East Mississippi misses several shots to start the next period, allowing Northwest Florida to hold a 19-10 lead.
• The Raiders capitalize on Lions' turnovers, steadily widening their lead with consistent field goals.
• Northwest Florida's Williams makes several free throws and layups, extending the lead to 33-14 as East Mississippi struggles to score.
• Northwest Florida State College finishes the quarter in control, holding a strong lead at 46-16.

SECOND HALF

• Northwest Florida continues to extend their lead with key contributions from Ondineme and Scott, including a three-pointer at 8:19, pushing the score to 46-16.
• Both teams experience missed layups, free throws, and jump shots, emphasizing a defensive stretch with missed opportunities on both sides.
• Despite occasional turnovers, the Raiders maintain their scoring with assists from players like McBride, reaching a commanding 67-20 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
• In the final minutes, Northwest Florida remains dominant with layups and jump shots from Williams and Corporan, widening their lead over East Mississippi.
• The game concludes with Northwest Florida securely in control, wrapping up with a final layup and free throw, sealing a decisive 78-26 victory.