Late Comeback Sends Raiders Back to National Championship Game

HUTCHINSON, KS. - Northwest Florida played from behind the entire night but, when it mattered most, the Raiders rose to the occasion and came away with a 79-75 victory to head back to the National Championship game to defend their national title on Saturday, March 25 at 1:00 PM (CST). The game will be aired on ESPNU.

Indian Hills scored the first bucket of the game at the 19:19 mark of the first half and held the lead for the next 29:02 of the contest when the Raiders knotted the game at 54-all with 11:17 to play in the contest. The Warriors regained the lead and built its advantage to as many as eight over the next six minutes before the Raiders stormed back to take its first lead of the night at 69-68 with 3:11 to play.

Both sides traded leads over the next two minutes before a Tavion Banks dunk with 1:43 remaining put the Raiders ahead for good. Clutch free throw shooting from Kasean Pryor, Chad Baker-Mazara, and Treyvon Byrd in the end helped put the Warriors away. 

Tavion Banks continues to be the work horse for the Raiders as the freshman connected on 9-12 shooting for 28 points and snatched 11 rebounds. Banks was 2-2 from beyond the arc and 8-8 on free throws. In addition to Banks huge night, Chad Baker-Mazara chipped in 19 points on 6-11 shooting and was 6-7 from the charity stripe. The Raiders finished the night 26-32 from the free throw line. Takai Simpkins stepped up and gave Northwest Florida a solid 33 minutes, scoring 9 points and grabbing 5 rebounds.

Northwest Florida will play for the National Championship vs. #1 John A. Logan College (32-2) on Saturday, March 25 at 1:00 PM (CST). The game will be broadcasted on ESPNU. 

***WATCH PARTY*** The National Championship Game will be aired at Landsharks Pizza Company in Niceville. All Raider Fans are invited to attend.

Address: 1128 John Sims Parkway

Niceville, FL 32578