Raiders Head to Pensacola Wednesday for Second Meeting with Pirates
NICEVILLE, Fla. — After a brief weekend off, Northwest Florida State men's and women's basketball return to action Wednesday, traveling to Pensacola for their second matchup of the season against the Pirates.
Both Raider programs are coming off a much-needed bye week. Northwest Florida women snapped back into the win column last Wednesday with a 63–45 victory over Tallahassee State, using a dominant second half to pull away. The men, meanwhile, fell to the Eagles, 82–69, in their second meeting of the season, marking just their third loss overall and second in conference play.
With the postseason picture beginning to take shape, Wednesday's doubleheader opens a pivotal two-week stretch that could have major implications in the conference standings for both teams.
Game Information
February 4, 2026
Location: Pensacola, FL | Hartsell Arena
Live Stream Link
Women (5:15 p.m.)
No. 5 Northwest Florida (17-3, 3-2) vs. Pensacola (14-9 1-5)
Men (7:30 p.m.)
No. 9 Northwest Florida (20-3, 3-2) vs. Pensacola (15-9, 2-4)
Women's Game Notes
Last Week
Northwest Florida earned a 63–45 win over Tallahassee State in its lone game last week, avenging an earlier road loss to the Eagles. The Raiders pulled away with a strong second half led by Khoudia Diagne and Jadah White. Diagne filled the stat sheet with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks, while White scored all 16 of her points after halftime, adding four rebounds and two assists. The win moved the Raiders back above .500 in conference play and into second place.
This Week
The Raiders head to Pensacola for the second of three meetings with the Pirates. Northwest Florida controlled the first matchup at home on Jan. 17, placing four players in double figures, including Carrington Jones, who posted a career-high 19 points. A win Wednesday would push the Raiders to 4–2 in conference play and help create separation from the bottom half of the standings.
The Opponent
Pensacola enters the matchup at 1–5 in conference play, with its lone league win coming at home against Tallahassee State. The Pirates are currently riding a four-game losing streak and average 65.1 points per game while shooting 38.9 percent from the field and 25.3 percent from three-point range. Tamaya Hutchinson leads the team at 15.9 points per game on 40.7 percent shooting, followed by Cassidy Gladney at 13.4 points per contest.
NWF by the Numbers
Northwest Florida boasts one of the nation's top defenses, allowing just 47.4 points per game — the second-lowest mark in the country. The Raiders also hold opponents to 23.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc, ranking 14th nationally. Offensively, Northwest Florida averages 75.0 points per game (31st nationally) while ranking second in field goal percentage (50.8%) and 16th in three-point percentage (34.0%).
Men's Game Notes
Last Week
The Raiders saw their win streak snapped last week with an 82–69 loss to Tallahassee, the second defeat to the Eagles this season. Northwest Florida led by six at the half but struggled in the second period, getting outscored 51–32 and outrebounded 40–23. The loss dropped the Raiders out of first place in the conference standings and down to No. 9 in the national poll.
This Week
After a week to regroup, Northwest Florida looks to bounce back on the road against a Pensacola squad that has dropped four straight games, all by two possessions or fewer, after opening league play 2–0. The matchup figures to be competitive, as the Pirates pushed the Raiders to overtime in their first meeting on Jan. 17 in Niceville. With six games remaining, Pensacola will be eager to turn things around, while Northwest Florida aims to begin a push back toward the top of the conference.
The Opponent
Pensacola State enters Wednesday tied for fourth place with Chipola at 2–4 in conference play. The Pirates average just over 70 points per game and shoot efficiently, hitting 45.0 percent from the field and 35.0 percent from three-point range. Deven Bates leads the team with 20.1 points per game, the fourth-highest average in the FCSAA, while Malick Scene anchors the frontcourt with 9.6 rebounds per game — second-best in the state — along with 10.1 points per contest.
By the Numbers
Northwest Florida ranks among the most efficient offensive teams in the NJCAA, averaging 85.0 points per game on 52.0 percent shooting (5th nationally) and 39.3 percent from three-point range (6th). The Raiders have eclipsed 100 points six times this season and scored at least 90 in 12 contests. Northwest Florida is also 8–1 in games decided by single digits and owns a 6–3 record against ranked opponents, including wins over four teams currently in the top 20.