Title Game Bound: Northwest Florida Defeats Three Rivers, Plays for National Title Saturday

LUBBOCK, Texas – For the first time in school history, the Northwest Florida women's basketball team will play for a national title. The Raiders defeated Three Rivers, 71-63, in the NJCAA Women's Basketball Championship on Friday. 

In a game that featured 50 combined fouls, Northwest Florida shot 51 percent (26-51) from the field to overcome a tough opponent and foul trouble.

The Raiders (23-2) trailed 52-47 entering the fourth quarter but got three consecutive three-pointers to take a 56-54 advantage.

Despite controlling nearly every facet of the game, NWF could not put Three Rivers away. The teams traded the lead until Shelbee Brown banked in a layup and converted a free throw to put the Raiders up 59-57, it was the last time the lead would change.

Masengo Mutanda scored a game-high 18 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including a momentum-changing three-pointer with 6:33 to play. Mutanda scored 10 of her 18 points in the final quarter as Northwest Florida dominated the frame 24-11.

Chanaya Pinto scored 12 points to go with eight rebounds, while Brown finished with 11 points and nine boards. Inès Piper added 11 points and seven rebounds.

Down 13-11 to start the second, NWF made 11 of its 15 shots in the quarter to take a 35-29 lead into halftime.

Three Rivers attacked the Raider defense and got to the free throw line 17 times in the third quarter. In total, Three Rivers converted 17-of-27 free throws in the game, the second most allowed by Northwest Florida this season.

The Raiders will face either Chipola or Trinity Valley in the NJCAA National Championship game Saturday at 3 p.m. 

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