Raiders Survive Overtime Against No. 22 Pensacola, Earn First Conference Win

NICEVILLE, Fla. — No. 6 Northwest Florida State men's basketball outlasted No. 22 Pensacola State in a back-and-forth overtime battle Saturday night, pulling out a 73–69 win to secure its first conference victory of the season at Raider Arena.

The Raiders set the tone early behind aggressive defense and balanced offensive production. After Pensacola scored first, Northwest Florida quickly answered as Johnny Nichols converted inside, sparking an early exchange of baskets. The opening minutes featured tight defense on both sides, with steals and turnovers slowing the pace until the Raiders began to find rhythm offensively.

Northwest Florida used a combination of perimeter shooting and second-chance opportunities to seize control midway through the first half. Braylon Roman knocked down multiple three-pointers to stretch the floor, while DJ Shine added a spark from the outside as well. The Raiders consistently turned defensive stops into offense, and their ability to win the rebounding battle kept possessions alive. A late surge that included back-to-back threes and a tip-in from C.J. Reid helped Northwest Florida build a double-digit advantage, with the Raiders shooting 48.1 percent from the field and connecting on eight three-pointers in the opening half. Northwest Florida carried a 36–29 lead into the break, appearing firmly in control.

That control, however, was challenged immediately in the second half. Pensacola came out aggressive, opening the period with an 8–0 run fueled by strong perimeter shooting and transition baskets. The Pirates erased the Raiders' lead in just over two minutes, shifting momentum and forcing Northwest Florida to play from behind for the first time since the opening minutes.

The remainder of the second half unfolded as a tightly contested battle. Pensacola briefly took the lead behind consistent scoring from the paint and perimeter, but Northwest Florida continued to respond. Key baskets from Roman, Shine, and Nichols kept the Raiders within striking distance, while Justin Burns and Johnny Pierce controlled the boards at both ends of the floor. Despite multiple chances to create separation, neither team could deliver a decisive run.

In the final minutes of regulation, the intensity ramped up. Northwest Florida reclaimed the lead and held a narrow advantage late, but Pensacola answered once more. With just seven seconds remaining, the Pirates found a path to the basket to tie the game at 62-62, sending the contest into overtime and silencing the home crowd momentarily.

Overtime belonged to the Raiders' toughness and composure. Damarion Vann-Kelly opened the extra period with a critical putback, and Northwest Florida followed with several key defensive stops. Though Pensacola briefly regained the lead behind a three-pointer, Northwest Florida responded immediately. Justin Burns converted at the line, Roman added a crucial jumper, and the Raiders capitalized on free throws down the stretch to maintain their edge.

Roman iced the game at the free-throw line in the final seconds as Northwest Florida closed out the 73–69 victory. The Raiders' dominance on the glass proved decisive, outrebounding Pensacola 48–21 and repeatedly generating second-chance opportunities in critical moments.

Roman led all scorers with 20 points, while Shine added 12 points in his return from a near two-month absence. Vann-Kelly finished with 10 points, including several pivotal plays in overtime. Pierce and Burns were dominant inside, combining for 29 rebounds — Pierce with 15 and Burns with 14 — anchoring a defensive and rebounding effort that ultimately swung the game in Northwest Florida's favor.

The Raiders are now 2-0 in overtime this season having beaten No. 3 Daytona back in November, 101-99, and now No. 22 Pensacola.

With the win, Northwest Florida improves to 1–1 in conference play and will look to build momentum Wednesday on the road against No. 4 Gulf Coast at 7:30 p.m. as panhandle play continues.