Lady Indians fall to Northwest Florida, 56-42

In a matchup of nationally ranked teams, the #3 Lady Indians (5-1, 2-1 PC) hosted the #2 Lady Raiders of Northwest Florida State College (7-0, 3-0 PC). After a slow offensive start for both teams in the first half, Northwest Florida took the lead 5 minutes into the game and maintained it throughout all four quarters. Finishing the first half up 25-19, the Lady Raiders offensive performance was too much for Chipola College and eventually fell 56-42. 

While the Lady Indians struggled to shoot from outside the paint, the Lady Raiders offensive efficiency dominated the game. Led by Nashani Gilbert, who shot 4 of 5 from behind the arch, leading all scorers in the first half with 14 points and a season-high for Gilbert. 

To start the second half both teams struggled to develop momentum, as turnovers began to affect the offensive output. For the Lady Indians, Jordan McLaughlin attempted to push through Chipola's struggles, eventually finishing the night with 17 points. 

After a quiet first half, Chanaya Pinto lived up to her career accolades thus far, the NJCAA All-American dominated the second half of the game finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Marking her 5th double-double of the season and 32 career games with 10+ points.

3-point shooting was the story of the night in this matchup as the Lady Raiders shot 47.7 percent from beyond the arc, meanwhile the Lady Indians struggled to match the pace shooting only 2-13 from outside. 

The Lady Indians will have a quick turnaround as they face conference opponent Gulf Coast State College at home Wednesday night at 5:30 PM Central.