Raiders Back in the Win Column After Beating Tallahassee State On the Road

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Northwest Florida State women's basketball cruised to their 19th win of the season on Saturday, defeating Tallahassee State on the road behind a 16-point effort from veteran guard Mekhia Chase. Chase was dominant throughout, hitting 6-of-9 field goals, including a three-pointer and three free throws, while nearly recording a double-double with nine rebounds.

The Raiders jumped to an early 11-point lead in the first quarter, shooting an impressive 9-of-12 from the field, including two three-pointers. Chase and Kyla McBride each scored five points, while Ka'Zahria Johnson and Deborah Davenport added six. Meanwhile, Tallahassee State struggled offensively, making only four shots in the opening period. After one, the Raiders led 21-10.

Northwest Florida continued to build on their advantage in the second quarter, though Tallahassee found their rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting two threes early to stay within reach. Both teams experienced scoring droughts toward the end of the half, but the Raiders held a 33-22 lead going into the break.

The Eagles mounted a challenge in the second half, capitalizing on a series of missed layups and turnovers by the Raiders. A couple of quick three-pointers brought the Eagles within single digits, but Northwest Florida responded, pushing their lead back to 11 by the end of the third.

In the final quarter, Tallahassee made another push to cut the deficit, but Sydney Bradley shut down the momentum with two quick three-pointers, extending the Raiders' lead back to 11. From there, Northwest Florida held firm, keeping the Eagles at bay and securing the decisive victory.

Postgame Notes

• Mekhia Chase spearheaded the Raiders' effort, scoring 16 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and recording three steals.
• Kyla McBride made significant contributions, adding 10 points, five rebounds, and five blocks.
• Deborah Davenport led the team in rebounds with eight, while also chipping in eight points on the offensive end.
• The Raiders shot 49.0% from the field, including 38.5% from three-point range.
• Statistically, the Eagles held their own, nearly matching the Raiders' rebounding total and winning the turnover battle by a wide margin. They also made more three-pointers than the Raiders. However, the Eagles struggled inside the paint and at the free-throw line, with most of their scoring coming from beyond the arc.

UP NEXT

The Raiders will finally return home on Wednesday after nearly a month of playing on the road. The team is schedule to play Pensacola State once again – a team they beat on the road back on January 18. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. at Raider Arena.