Champs Again: Raiders Claim 3rd Straight Panhandle Title

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Northwest Florida State women's basketball claimed its third consecutive Panhandle Conference title with a 69-33 victory over Tallahassee on Thursday. 

The Raiders (18-1, 14-1 PC) have now won 31 of their last 39 conference game and are 71-11 over their three-year reign. The championship marks the seventh in program history.

No. 2 Northwest Florida dismantled Tallahassee from the start building a 45-16 halftime advantage. NWF held the Eagles to just 22 percent (13-59) shooting in the game, including a 3-for-29 mark from three-point range.

Masengo Mutanda paced the Raiders with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting highlighted by four 3-pointers. Ana Carolina Jesus had 10 points and six assists, while Kynadi Kuykendoll added seven points and 10 assists.

For the game, NWF shot 45.9 percent (28-61), knocked down nine 3-pointers, and outrebounded its opponent 50-28.

Northwest Florida will host No. 6 Chipola on Saturday at 2 p.m. The team will host its Sophomore Night ceremony at halftime of the men's game, which is set to start at 4 p.m.

For more information on Northwest Florida State Athletics, visit NWFRaiders.com or follow the team on Twitter at @NWFRaiders.