The Northwest Florida Raiders got their fourth straight win to open conference play, but it was never easy.
In a game where Tallahassee took a 19-point lead in the first half and led by 11 at the half, the No. 6 Raiders tightened up after the break and outscored Tallahassee by 19 points to earn a 76-68 road win.
“This team is resilient, there’s no question about that,” said NWF State head coach Steve Forbes, who watched his team improve to 18-1 overall and a Panhandle Conference-leading mark of 4-0 in league play. “We fought through adversity and were able to get a tough win.”
Louisville signee Chris Jones scored 24 points and reigning FCSAA Player of the Week Elgin Cook added 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Raiders, but it was a little-used bench player who provided a needed spark in the second half.
Tevin Glass, a freshman post player from Atlanta who has struggled to get playing time, got the call Tuesday night and responded with 10 points and six boards.
“I thought he was the difference in the game,” said Forbes of Glass. “That’s a testament to him. He’s stayed strong even though he hasn’t gotten the minutes he would like, and he still comes to practice and works hard every single day. I am proud of him.”
With the win, the Raiders complete their first swing around Panhandle Conference play with an unbeaten mark heading into an off day Saturday. The Raiders will return to action next Wednesday with a home game against Gulf Coast.
NWF State women 68, Tallahassee 41
It was never as close for the No. 6 Lady Raiders.
Behind a stifling defensive effort, Northwest Florida State limited Tallahassee to just 41 points in a 27-point blowout win.
“We were zeroed in defensively, and I’m happy with that effort,” said NWF State head coach Patrick Harrington, whose team improved to 18-1 overall and 3-1 in Panhandle Conference play. “We really dictated the way the game was going to be played on the defensive end.”
Fort Walton Beach High graduate Kiani Parker continued her strong play for the Lady Raiders, leading the way offensively with 15 points. Carla Batchelor added 12 points and seven rebounds, while Shay Nelson chipped in 11 points. Tavarsha Scott contributed seven points and eight boards.
Now 3-1 in the conference, the Lady Raiders will now enjoy an off day Saturday before returning home to host Gulf Coast next Wednes-day.