Raiders Cap Off Regular Season With 67-38 Win Over No. 13 Gulf Coast

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Northwest Florida State women's basketball closed out their regular season with a dominant performance on Monday night, cruising to a 29-point victory over No. 13 Gulf Coast State. The Raiders showcased their defensive prowess, forcing 25 turnovers, including 18 steals, while holding the Commodores to just 26.4% shooting (14-53) from the field and 13.3% (2-15) from beyond the arc.

Offensively, the Raiders were powered by the sophomore trio of Nevaeh Scott (17 points), Mekhia Chase (17 points), and Kyla McBride (11 points), all of whom finished in double figures.

Both teams struggled to find their rhythm early, with the Raiders shooting 4-14 from the field and committing three turnovers in the first quarter. Despite their slow start, they trailed by just one, 10-9, heading into the second frame. The Raiders found their groove in the second quarter, led by Scott, who scored 10 of the team's 15 points to give Northwest Florida a 24-18 lead at halftime.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point. The Raiders opened with a 17-0 run, extending what became a 23-0 stretch dating back to the first half, to take full control with a 41-18 lead. Gulf Coast State finally snapped their scoring drought with a pair of threes, but the deficit remained at 25 heading into the final quarter.

Northwest Florida continued its dominance in the fourth, limiting the Commodores to just four field goals while capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. With the game well in hand, the Raiders coasted to a commanding 67-38 win, securing their third straight victory, their 26th of the season, and their 13th at home. Most importantly, the victory clinched the outright Panhandle Conference Championship.

The team now sets its sights on the FCSAA State/NJCAA Region VIII Tournament next week, where they are expected to secure the No. 1 seed and face the No. 8 seed on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. The official bracket will be revealed on Friday, confirming their matchup.

The Raiders enter the tournament on a hot streak, currently ranked No. 1 in the nation with an impressive 26-2 record. Their only losses came against No. 4 Chipola and Pensacola. They were dominant at home this season, going a perfect 13-0, and will look to carry that momentum into the tournament, which they host, as they chase their second consecutive State Championship and fourth title in the last six seasons.

Postgame Notes

• Northwest Florida State doubled Gulf Coast's made shots (26) while taking just eight more attempts (61).
• The Raiders controlled key statistical categories, leading in rebounds (41), assists (15), turnovers (11), steals (18), and blocks (6).
• Points in the paint and fast breaks played a major role in the Raiders' game plan, with 44 of their 67 points coming inside and 24 points scored in transition.
• The Raiders dominated the game's pace, holding the lead for over 33 minutes compared to Gulf Coast's 3:20.
• This victory marks the Raiders' ninth ranked win of the season, including their seventh against a team currently in the top 15. They have defeated No. 4 Chipola and No. 12 Florida Southwestern twice each, and No. 13 Gulf Coast State three times.