Fourth Quarter Surge Secures 71-60 Win Over No. 10 Gulf Coast

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Northwest Florida State women's basketball earned a statement win over No. 10 Gulf Coast on Wednesday, using a dominant 22-point fourth quarter to pull away for a 71-60 victory.

Mekhia Chase (20), Kyla McBride (17), and Kamry Corporan (12) played key roles in the Raiders' success, combining for 49 points. McBride took over in the final period, scoring 12 of her 17 points to help Northwest Florida State seal the win after holding just a two-point lead entering the fourth.

Both teams came out firing, especially from beyond the arc, as they combined for six made three-pointers in the first quarter. Neveah Scott and Corporan each hit two for the Raiders, while the Commodores knocked down four of their own. After a competitive opening period, Northwest Florida State held an 18-16 advantage.

Gulf Coast responded in the second quarter, shooting an impressive 64.3% from the field to take a 35-33 lead into halftime. The game remained a back-and-forth battle, with both teams finding offensive success in the paint. At the break, the Raiders were shooting 40.6% as a team.

The Commodores built an eight-point lead early in the third quarter, converting on four straight possessions, including three second-chance opportunities off offensive rebounds. However, the Raiders answered with a 14-5 run, fueled by three-pointers from McBride and Corporan, to reclaim a two-point lead heading into the final frame.

McBride then took over in the fourth, scoring 12 consecutive points, including two three-pointers, to give the Raiders their largest lead of the night at eight. Chase sealed the victory with an acrobatic and-one layup, pushing the lead to 11 with under 1:30 remaining. The late surge secured Northwest Florida State's 24th win of the season.

Post Game Notes

• The Raiders' victory improves their record to 24-2 overall and 8-2 in Panhandle Conference play.
• This marks their seventh win against an NJCAA-ranked opponent this season and their third over a top-10 team.
• Northwest Florida State shot 45.6% from the field, 38.9% from three, and converted 12-of-13 free throws.
• Both teams were dominant in the paint, combining for 72 points inside—Gulf Coast with 36 and the Raiders with 34.
• The Raiders took advantage of the Commodores' 15 turnovers, turning them into 18 points.
• The game featured 10 lead changes and five ties, with Gulf Coast leading for 18:42—over two minutes longer than the Raiders' 16:12.
• Fast breaks played a crucial role, as Northwest Florida State scored 13 points in transition.

UP NEXT

The Raiders hit the road this Saturday (March 1), traveling down I-10 to face Chipola at 5:15 p.m. in the final matchup of the regular-season series, which is currently tied 1-1.

They will then return home on Monday (March 3) for their regular-season finale and sophomore night against Gulf Coast at 5:15. This game serves as a makeup for their previously postponed January matchup due to snow.