Northwest Florida Punches Ticket to Third Consecutive National Championship Game

CASPER, Wyo. — Death, taxes, and Northwest Florida State women's basketball competing for a National Championship. The Raiders have solidified themselves as a powerhouse in the NJCAA DI ranks, and Monday night was no different. Northwest Florida knocked off No. 10 Eastern Arizona in the semifinal round of the NJCAA DI Basketball Championship, securing a 70-60 victory to advance to their third consecutive National Championship Game—marking their fourth appearance in the title game over the past five seasons.

Nevaeh Scott once again led the charge for the Raiders, delivering another stellar performance with a game-high 24 points. Deborah Davenport was equally impressive, dominating the glass with 16 rebounds while adding 10 points to notch her second double-digit rebounding performance of the tournament.

The Raiders set the tone early with a dominant first quarter, knocking down 9-of-15 (60%) from the field while suffocating Eastern Arizona defensively. The Gila Monsters struggled to find their rhythm, converting just two field goals in the opening frame. With a well-balanced offensive attack and relentless defense, Northwest Florida took a commanding 23-12 lead into the second quarter—their first time holding a lead after the opening period in this year's tournament.

Eastern Arizona adjusted in the second quarter, attempting to chip away at the deficit with efficient three-point shooting. The Gila Monsters connected on three quick triples, cutting Northwest Florida's lead down to just four near the five-minute mark. However, their momentum was halted after a technical foul on Eastern Arizona's Sigers, giving the Raiders two free throws and an extra possession. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Northwest Florida responded with an 8-0 run to push their lead back to double digits. Though Eastern Arizona managed to add a couple of late baskets, the Raiders took a 39-31 advantage into the halftime break.

At the half, Scott was the unquestioned leader for the Raiders, pouring in 17 points while adding five rebounds. Davenport was a dominant presence on the boards, securing nine of her 16 rebounds in the opening 20 minutes. Statistically, Northwest Florida had the clear upper hand, leading in field goal percentage (57.1%), total rebounds (20), assists (7), and blocks (2).

The Raiders came out of the locker room determined to keep their foot on the gas. After struggling in the first half, Kyla McBride found her groove, sinking two early buckets, including a three-pointer, to extend the lead back to double digits. Eastern Arizona continued to battle, bringing the deficit back to single digits midway through the third, but Scott delivered once again, drilling a crucial three-pointer to push the margin back to 12. The Raiders maintained control throughout the quarter, never allowing the Gila Monsters to gain any real momentum as they carried a 56-46 advantage into the final period.

Northwest Florida appeared to be in complete control in the fourth quarter, growing their lead to as many as 15 points (65-50) with under six minutes to play. However, Eastern Arizona refused to go away quietly. A four-minute scoring drought by the Raiders opened the door for the Gila Monsters to make a late push, as they drained back-to-back threes to cut the lead to seven with just over two minutes remaining. But when the pressure was at its peak, Northwest Florida remained composed. The Raiders converted key free throws down the stretch to keep Eastern Arizona at bay and close out the 70-60 victory, securing their place in the National Championship Game.

Following the game, Bart Walker had the chance to speak to the media and said this: "Well, it's been a grind like everybody else. You know, we've had ups and downs, injuries. We've got one of our better players sitting at home, and we're playing for Kam. But, you know, this team, they're a family, you know, and they love each other, and that goes a long way in basketball."

When asked about what it will take to win it all tomorrow, Walker stated "It's going to take some grit. You know, Madonna's been around a long time. We've been coaching each other, and, you know, just got to come out and be tough and just play with some passion tomorrow and leave whatever you got on the floor tomorrow night."

When walker was asked to describe this team in one word he said "Perseverance. Perseverance because we have persevered through a lot of stuff, really proud of them, and got to persevere one more time."

Now, only one game stands between Northwest Florida and another national title. The Raiders will face No. 8 Shelton State in the championship showdown, set for Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. (CDT) on ESPNU. Shelton State earned its spot in the final after defeating South Plains (69-59), Chipola (61-60), and Dodge City (60-59) in a series of hard-fought battles. If the Raiders can emerge victorious, it will mark their third National Championship in the past five seasons, all under the leadership of head coach Bart Walker.

Postgame Notes:

• After her 24-point performance tonight, Nevaeh Scott is averaging 24.3 points per game in three games this tournament. The last player to average 24 points per game in the national tournament was Destiney McPhaul who averaged 24 points in her first three games and would finish averaging 25.5 after putting up 30 in the National Championship game.
• Deborah Davenport is averaging 14.8 rebounds per game this tournament and 14 rebounds this postseason (6 games).
• The Raiders shot 46.6% from the field, 35.7% from three, and had one of their better marks from the free throw line (97.1%).
• The team finished with advantages in rebounds (39), assists (15) and blocks (4).
• If the Raiders win, they can join some elite company as just one of four programs to win three or more National Championships, joining the likes of Kilgore, Trinity Valley and Gulf Coast as the only schools to do so.