Tenacious Rebounding and Consistent Offense Propel Raiders to 96-62 Win Over Miami Dade

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Northwest Florida State men's basketball extended its winning streak to three with a commanding 96-62 victory over Region VIII opponent Miami Dade on Saturday.

The Raiders' offense was on fire, led by big man Josh Hayes, who scored 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting and added three rebounds. Davion Hill (12 points), Jadarian Faulkner (11 points, nine assists), and Tyrese Melo Garcia (11 points, six rebounds) also contributed double-figure scoring. Hill and Garcia combined for 11 boards, fueling the team's dominant rebounding performance.

The Raiders shot an efficient 58.2% from the field, including 41.2% from three (7-of-17). On the defensive end, they stifled Miami Dade, holding them to 29.4% shooting in the first half and 41.3% for the game. Northwest Florida forced 13 turnovers, tallying seven steals in the process.

Rebounding was a key factor, with the Raiders securing 38 boards to the Sharks' 13, a staggering +36 margin. Second-chance opportunities were decisive, as Northwest scored 18 points off offensive rebounds while holding Miami Dade scoreless in similar situations. Braylon Roman led with nine rebounds, followed by Melo Garcia with six.

NUMBERS TO NOTE

• Today's victory marks the Raiders' third consecutive win, dating back to their November 27 triumph over #2 Panola.
• The Raiders' shooting performance (58.2%) is their second-best of the season, behind their 60.9% effort against South Georgia Tech on November 2.
• The +36 rebound margin is Northwest Florida's largest of the season.
• Northwest Florida limited their turnovers to 10, tying for their second-fewest in a game this season.
• Josh Hayes scored in double figures for the second straight game and the seventh time this season.
• Braylon Roman secured a career-high nine rebounds in the game.
• Jadarian Faulkner set a season-best with nine assists and matched his season high in three-pointers made with three.

UP NEXT

The win highlights the Raiders' balanced play on both ends of the court as they continue their impressive play over the last few weeks. Northwest Florida State will be back in action tomorrow in Tallahassee when they take on another Region VIII opponent in Hillsborough. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. (CST).