Raiders Set to Face Florida Southwestern and Southern Union in Panama City This Weekend 

GAME 8

#2 Northwest Florida State (7-0) vs. Florida Southwestern (2-2)

Nov. 22 | Panama City, FL | 3:00 p.m.

GAME  9

#2 Northwest Florida State (7-0) vs. Southern Union (3-1)

Nov. 23 | Panama City, FL | Noon

NICEVILLE, Fla.  – Northwest Florida State women's basketball is on the road this weekend, heading to Panama City for the Gulf Coast State Classic hosted by the Commodores. The Raiders will face Florida Southwestern and Southern Union in back-to-back matchups.

This marks the second meeting between the Raiders and Buccaneers, following last week's close contest in Fort Myers. The Raiders emerged victorious, 60-56, in a hard-fought battle that came down to the final minutes. Mekhia Chase led the Raiders with 18 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while FSW's Samantha Serrano stole the spotlight with a standout 28-point performance that earned her FCSAA Player of the Week honors.

After FSW, the Raiders will take on Southern Union, who has started their season 3-1. The Bison are coming off a 37-point loss to Chattahoochee Valley and will face #5 Gulf Coast State before their matchup with the Raiders, giving them a challenging weekend with two top-five opponents.

FAST BREAKS

• After their 7-0 start, the Raiders remained the #2 ranked team in this week's NJCAA National Poll, and the #1 team in the FCSAA Coaches' Poll.
• The Raiders looking to build on their undefeated season with two more wins against FSW and Southern Union. The Raiders defeated the FSW last weekend in Fort Myers 60-56 after the Raiders fought off a fourth quarter comeback by the Buccaneers.
• Northwest Florida has been stellar on the road of the last seven seasons, losing only seven games in that span. During that same period, the Raiders have only lost four neutral games.
• The Raiders boast one of the best offensive units in the nation, ranking 24th in field goal percentage (45.3%), 36th three-point percentage (32.3%), and 27th in assists per game (17.6).
• The team also has a strong knack for rebounding and defense, ranking 41st in rebounds per game (42.0), 26th in forced turnovers a game (23.9), 36th in steals a game (13.9), 10th in blocks per game (4.9) and 7th in points per game allowed (44.1).
• The Raiders are led by veteran returners Mekhia Chase, Nevaeh Scott and Deborah Davenport, all averaging points in the double-figures: Scott (12.1), Chase (11.0) and Davenport (10.1)

RETURNING FOR THE RAIDERS

• Bart Walker returns for his tenth season leading the Raiders and his eighth year in his second stint at Northwest Florida State.
• The Raiders bring back seven players from last year's team: Allyson Ferguson, Nevaeh Scott, Aja Pollard, Mekhia Chase, Kyla McBride, Jade Ondineme, and Deborah Davenport.
• Deborah Davenport is the only returning starter, having averaged 8.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks across 33 games last season. She also contributed 12.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game over four national tournament games. 

TEAM LEADERS