Chase Shines as Raiders Escape with Narrow Two-Point Victory Over Pensacola

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Northwest Florida State women's basketball survived a nail-biter on Wednesday, edging out Pensacola State 58-56 to improve to 20-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play.

The Raiders controlled much of the first half, holding a narrow one-point lead after the first quarter before surging ahead by 16 at halftime. Their defensive efforts stifled the Pirates, limiting them to just nine made shots in the second quarter, while Northwest Florida capitalized on second-chance opportunities.

Mekhia Chase played a pivotal role early, leading all scorers at the half with 17 points and nine rebounds—already surpassing her 16-point performance from last week while matching her rebound total.

However, the second half told a different story. The Raiders' double-digit lead began to shrink in the third quarter as Pensacola ramped up its defensive pressure, forcing nine turnovers. Meanwhile, the Pirates' offense found success attacking the rim, cutting the deficit to just six points heading into the fourth.

The final period was a defensive battle, with only one basket made between both teams in the first four minutes. With under six minutes to play, Pensacola ignited an 11-2 run, capped by an Akeelah Bryan three-pointer, giving the Pirates their first lead (54-53) since the opening minutes.

Allyson Ferguson briefly put the Raiders back on top with a layup, but Pensacola responded immediately with a basket from Jaida McDonald. With just over a minute remaining, Ferguson drilled a clutch three-pointer from the top of the key, reclaiming the lead for good. Her dagger secured Northwest Florida's 20th win of the season while handing the Pirates their sixth conference loss.

Postgame Notes

• Mekhia Chase delivered another standout performance, recording 22 points and 11 rebounds for her second double-double of the season.
• Kyla McBride made a strong impact, contributing 14 points and four rebounds.
• Veteran Raider Deborah Davenport dominated on the boards and defensive end, securing 11 rebounds, five steals, and two blocks while adding six points.
• Northwest Florida State was outscored 34-20 in the second half but held firm down the stretch.
• The Raiders controlled the glass, outrebounding Pensacola by 12.
• Both teams found success inside, combining for 76 points in the paint.
• Second-chance opportunities proved crucial for Northwest Florida, as the team converted 19 offensive rebounds into 21 points.
• With this win, the Raiders move into a three-way tie for first place in the conference alongside No. 3 Chipola and No. 8 Gulf Coast.

Up Next

The Raiders return to action this Saturday with a highly anticipated matchup against No. 8 Gulf Coast in Panama City. This top-10 showdown marks the first meeting between the two teams since last year's FCSAA State Championship, where Northwest Florida edged out a three-point victory to claim its sixth state title.

Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m. at Gulf Coast's campus in Panama City.