Second Half Surge Propels NWF Over FSW, 72-38.

NICEVILLE, Fla. — No. 3 Northwest Florida State women's basketball made a statement Friday night, securing a dominant 72–38 win over Florida SouthWestern and avenging last month's loss to the Bucs in Fort Myers.

Fresh off earning FCSAA and NJCAA Player of the Week honors, Khoudia Diagne once again led the way with 20 points, adding four rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks. Niylia Wilkins followed with 13 points, while Carrington Jones and Ka'Zahria Johnson each finished with 12. Kamryn Corporan grabbed a team-high seven rebounds, and Jadah White turned in a strong all-around effort with eight points, three rebounds, and three steals.

The second half proved to be the difference. After the Bucs hit 5-of-9 from beyond the arc in the opening half to stay within eight at the break, the Raiders took control. Northwest Florida shot 66.7% from the field in the second half while holding FSW to just five total made shots.

For the game, the Raiders shot 52.9% (27-51) compared to the Bucs' 35.0% (14-40). Free throws were a major separator—NWF went 15-for-21 at the line, while FSW attempted only two, making one. The Raiders also held a +7 rebounding advantage and forced 23 turnovers, committing just seven of their own.

First Half

Northwest Florida State wasted no time setting the tone. The opening quarter was fast, physical and defensive, with both teams battling for early momentum. Diagne scored the game's first bucket on a putback, and Wilkins followed with a transition layup after a steal at midcourt. The Bucs responded from the perimeter, knocking down a pair of threes to keep the score tight.

As the first half continued, both teams traded possessions. Jones powered her way to the basket for back-to-back layups, while Corporan controlled the boards on the defensive end. Florida SouthWestern found their rhythm from three, hitting 5-of-9 from deep before the break, which allowed them to stay within reach. Despite that shooting surge, the Raiders maintained a lead thanks to balanced offense and efficient ball movement.

Diagne was steady from the start, connecting on drives and mid-range jumpers, while Johnson and Wilkins added timely scoring. White came up with multiple hustle plays—loose balls, pressure defense and an assist that led to a corner three. When the halftime buzzer sounded, Northwest Florida held a slim eight-point advantage, up 32–24, but both teams knew the game was far from decided.

Second Half

The second half told a different story. The Raiders opened the third quarter with renewed energy—forcing contested shots, denying passing lanes, and finishing possessions with rebounds. Corporan grabbed a board on the first defensive stand, and on the next trip down, Wilkins hit a jumper to stretch the lead back to double-digits.

Florida SouthWestern, who shot confidently from deep in the first half, suddenly had no clean looks. The Raiders rotated sharply, applied pressure, and forced turnovers that became transition opportunities. Jones drilled a three from the left wing, followed by a steal from White that led to a fast-break layup. A Diagne three from the top of the key pushed the margin to 15.

From there, the Raiders were in full command. Diagne continued her outstanding night with drives, finishes around the rim and sharp passes to open shooters. Johnson and White added buckets in transition, while Corporan dominated the glass. The Bucs managed only five made shots after halftime as the Raiders overwhelmed them at both ends.

By the final horn, Northwest Florida had secured a decisive 72–38 victory, giving them their 10^th win of the season.

Up Next
Northwest Florida is right back in action tomorrow at Raider Arena, hosting 8-0 Daytona State at 3:00 p.m. The day's schedule begins at 1:00 p.m. with Florida SouthWestern taking on Chattahoochee Valley.

Raider Gear Sale
Fans will also have an opportunity to grab discounted Raider merchandise on the concourse under Section F. Items will be available for $10–$15, cash only, while supplies last.