ROME, Ga. — Walters State battled back in the second and third periods, but a single-digit effort on offense in the first would hang on the scoreboard all game. No. 4-ranked Northwest Florida State cruised to a 70-50 victory over the Lady Senators Saturday in the Georgia Highlands Classic at Georgia Highlands College.
The Raiders (9-0) charged out to a 23-9 lead in the opening quarter and opened the game on a 13-2 run started by Rayven Peeples. A layup from Jamya Rogers ended the scoreless drought for Walters State (5-4), but did nothing to slow Northwest Florida down.
A three from Paris Mullins would end the scoring in the first, with WSCC down 14.
The Lady Senators came alive in the second, matching NFS basket for basket for a 19-19 period heading into the half. Mullins, Vertonia Bady and Blayre Shultz did the damage from the floor, but Walters State still trailed 42-28 when the teams headed to the locker room.
The third quarter was again even, as both teams slowed the action down to finish 12-12 in the period. This time it was steals and rebounds from Rogers that helped Walters State make it a game. A jumper from Bady with five minutes to go in the period pulled the Lady Senators within seven, 44-37. They got within six three minutes later when Bady sank a three at the 2:35 mark. It was as close as they would get it as the Raiders outscored WSCC 16-10 in the final period to close out the 20-point victory.
Walters State was led by Mullins, who scored 16 points to go with seven rebounds. Bady and Schultz had 11 points apiece. Rogers finished with seven points and seven rebounds.
The Raiders got 18 points for Chanaya Pinto. Peeples scored 17, Reneasha Payton had 12 and Fapou Semebene put in 11.
NEXT UP
The Lady Senators return to the friendly confines of 'Z' Buda Gymnasium when they take on TCCAA rival Cleveland State Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.