Northwest Florida Punches Ticket to Postseason for Ninth Straight Year

TALLAHASSEE — March basketball is once again on the schedule for Northwest Florida State women's basketball. With a 65–50 road win over Tallahassee State on Saturday, the Raiders officially clinched a postseason berth for the ninth consecutive season.

After falling behind early, Northwest Florida took control with back-to-back strong quarters and never relinquished the lead. The Raiders outplayed Tallahassee State on both ends in the middle frames, turning a tight first quarter into a comfortable cushion heading into the final period.

Khoudia Diagne opened the scoring for the Raiders with a layup, while Carrington Jones added an early three to give Northwest Florida a brief edge. Tallahassee State answered with physical play inside and second-chance points, using a 12–5 run midway through the opening quarter to seize momentum. Despite shooting struggles from deep, the Raiders stayed within striking distance at the free-throw line and trailed just 14–9 after one.

Northwest Florida flipped the game in the second quarter. Diagne knocked down a three and controlled the glass, while Shakira Gresham and Niylia Wilkins provided timely offense to spark a 15–3 run. Defensive pressure ramped up as the Raiders forced turnovers and limited clean looks, carrying a 30–25 lead into halftime.

The third quarter proved decisive. Jadah White and Wilkins connected from beyond the arc, and Northwest Florida steadily stretched the margin behind efficient shooting and dominant rebounding. Diagne continued to anchor the paint on both ends as the Raiders pushed the lead to double digits, entering the fourth ahead 46–36.

Tallahassee State made an early push in the final period, trimming the deficit to six, but Northwest Florida answered with poise. Buckets from Diagne and Gresham inside, a timely three from White, and steady free-throw shooting down the stretch sealed the 15-point victory.

Diagne led the way with a dominant performance, recording 23 points and 10 rebounds on 8-of-12 shooting, along with three assists and two blocks. The double-double marked her fifth of the season and her eighth 20-point outing. Wilkins added 17 points, six rebounds, and two steals in another strong showing.

With a postseason spot secured, the Raiders turn their focus to the final three games of the regular season as they chase an eighth straight conference championship and positioning in next month's FSCAA State Tournament.

Currently, Daytona, Florida Southwestern, Chipola, and Northwest Florida have clinched postseason berths, with three automatic bids and one at-large spot still up for grabs.