Northwest Florida Falls to Eastern Florida in FCSAA Quarterfinals

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Northwest Florida State couldn't find its offensive rhythm Thursday night, falling to eighth-seed Eastern Florida State College 59–51 in the opening round of the FCSAA Basketball Championships at Raider Arena.

The Raiders endured an uncharacteristically tough shooting night, finishing just 19-of-55 from the field (34.5 percent) and connecting on only one of their 14 attempts from three-point range. Eastern Florida finished with the same number of made field goals, but the difference came from beyond the arc, where the Titans knocked down nine three-pointers on 24 attempts.

Turnovers also played a key role in the outcome. Northwest Florida committed 14 turnovers in the game, including 10 in the first half, leading to 16 points for Eastern Florida. The Titans also found success in transition, outscoring the Raiders 13–3 on fast-break opportunities.

Eastern Florida set the tone early in the first quarter behind the hot shooting of G. Strickland, who knocked down two early three-pointers. The second came off an assist from Santacruz and helped the Titans build a 12–4 lead midway through the period. Eastern Florida continued to extend the advantage late in the quarter as Parpara hit another three and DaSilva added a layup, pushing the lead to 17–6 before Shakira Gresham scored in the closing minute to end the first quarter.

Northwest Florida responded in the second quarter with improved defensive pressure and more balanced offense. Gresham and Kayla Williams each scored early to spark a 6–0 run that cut the deficit to 17–10. Later in the period, Jadah White and Carrington Jones added baskets to pull the Raiders within five, but Parpara answered with a three-pointer for Eastern Florida. Khoudia Diagne knocked down two free throws late in the half to send Northwest Florida into the break trailing 27–21.

The Raiders continued to chip away in the third quarter. A layup from Diagne and another basket from Karmryn Corporan trimmed the Titans' lead to just two points at 28–26 midway through the period. Eastern Florida responded late in the quarter, however, as A. Mirkovic hit back-to-back three-pointers and Santacruz and DaSilva added key baskets to push the lead back to 42–35 entering the fourth.

Northwest Florida made another push in the final quarter. A layup from Ka'Zahria Johnson and another basket by Corporan cut the deficit to six at 48–42 with less than five minutes remaining. Eastern Florida answered with second-chance points from Q. Powell and a three-point play by Santacruz to extend the lead back to double digits.

Despite a late three-pointer from White and free throws from Williams, the Raiders were unable to close the gap as the Titans held on for the 59–51 victory.

With the loss, Northwest Florida now awaits the decision of the NJCAA Tournament selection committee. The Raiders built one of the stronger resumes in the country during the regular season, which could put them in position for an at-large bid to the NJCAA National Tournament in Lake Charles in two weeks. Whether that opportunity comes will be determined in the days ahead.