Northwest Florida Comes Up Short in FCSAA Quarterfinals

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Northwest Florida fell just short Thursday afternoon, dropping a hard-fought 66–63 decision to Chipola in the semifinal round of the FCSAA Basketball Championships.

The matchup played more like a physical battle than a typical basketball game. Both teams went to work in the paint, combining for 64 points inside (32 apiece), as perimeter shooting was scarce. The two squads connected on just four three-pointers combined on 31 attempts for the game. Rebounding also proved crucial, with Chipola holding a 44–34 advantage overall and a 19–15 edge on the offensive glass.

DJ Shine led the Raiders offensively with 17 points, including nine from the free-throw line. Justin Burns was the only other Raider to reach double figures, recording another double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds.

Despite struggling from beyond the arc (3-for-20), Northwest Florida stayed within striking distance thanks in large part to its performance at the free-throw line, converting 20 of 27 attempts.

The teams traded baskets early, with Braylon Roman giving Northwest Florida its first lead on a jumper to make it 6–4. The game remained tight through the opening minutes as both defenses forced difficult shots and rebounds became a key factor.

Midway through the first half, Chipola used second-chance opportunities to create some separation. A tip-in from Kent Jr. and a dunk from Diallo helped the Indians extend their lead to 16–11. Northwest Florida responded behind strong work on the glass from Burns, whose putbacks and rebounds kept the Raiders close. A three-pointer from D'Eric Barber with under five minutes remaining in the half gave Northwest Florida a 23–21 lead.

Chipola answered with a late run before halftime. A three-pointer from Wiggins and a basket from Kouakou-Aphely helped the Indians carry a 34–29 lead into the break.

The Raiders opened the second half with energy. Jonas Nichols and Roman scored early, and Shine converted a three-point play during a quick 7–0 run that pushed Northwest Florida back in front, 36–34. The teams continued trading baskets, with Burns delivering a dunk midway through the half to give the Raiders a narrow 40–39 lead.

Chipola responded with a decisive stretch. Bartelus converted a putback and free throw, and Kouakou-Aphely added another second-chance basket as the Indians built a 53–45 advantage with under eight minutes to play.

Northwest Florida mounted one final push down the stretch. A dunk from Roman, a layup by Nichols, and several clutch free throws from Shine cut the deficit to just one in the closing seconds. Chipola, however, held firm at the line and came up with a key defensive stop on the final possession to secure the 66–63 victory.

Northwest Florida will now await a decision from the NJCAA Tournament selection committee to determine whether the Raiders will receive an at-large bid to the national tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas, or if their season has come to an end.