NICEVILLE - While offensive struggles can appear from time to time for any team, defensive intensity and effort are two phases of the game that can remain constant.
That was the message that Northwest Florida State College head coach Steve Forbes relayed to his team at halftime of Saturday night's Panhandle Conference game against Tallahassee, a game that saw the Raiders shoot just 17 percent from the field in the first half.
"I told them that eventually we would start making shots," said Forbes, whose team led 27-25 at the break. "But we played defense well all night. If you do that, you're eventually going to find offense."
That's exactly what happened for the Raiders, who exploded for 52 second-half points in a 79-70 victory.
"I was really happy with the defense," said Forbes. "Even though we didn't shoot well that first half, I thought we played well on defense the whole night. When you do that, you give yourself a chance to win even if you have an off night on the other end."
University of Louisville signee Chris Jones led the Raiders (21-2, 7-1 in conference play) with 23 points, and he also delivered seven rebounds and five assists.
"He's a special player," said Forbes of Jones.
Elgin Cook, NWF State's freshman forward from Milwaukee, added 22 points and eight boards, while 6-foot-11 center Michael Chandler scored 12 points.
Guard Trevor McDade led Tallahassee with 21.
With the win, NWF State strengthened its grip on the top spot in the Panhandle Conference. At 7-1, the Raiders will now take a week off before beginning the final four-game swing in conference play with a road trip to Gulf Coast on Saturday.
"I like that we control our destiny," said Forbes. "We've gone out and put ourselves in great position, now we have to finish."
NWF women 73, Tallahassee 63
Hosting a team that they beat 68-41 on the road two weeks ago, the Lady Raiders of NWF State struggled to put Tallahassee away this time around. The Lady Raiders led 33-29 at the half and pulled away at the end for the 10-point win.
Forward Carla Batchelor put up a double-double for the Lady Raiders with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while point guard Jatoria Carter led the Lady Raiders with 18 points. Fort Walton Beach grad Kiani Parker added 15.
Now 21-2 overall and 6-2 in conference play, the Lady Raiders will travel to Gulf Coast Saturday.
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NWF State men, women sweep Tallahassee
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