#2 Ranked Commodores Blow Out #1 Ranked Northwest Florida

This Saturday, Gulf Coast played host to their biggest challenge of the season, the #1 ranked Northwest Florida Raiders. The Lady Commodores were absolutely up to the task, however, as they proved to be the superior team from the tip off. Two quick Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu baskets forced an early timeout by the Raiders. By the second quarter, Gulf Coast had already gained a double digit lead behind 8 points from Ozzy-Momodu. The Commodores only allowed 5 points in the third quarter to slam the door on any attempt of a Raider comeback. Aryelle Stevens recorded 16 points and 8 rebounds as the Commodores embarrassed the Raiders 74-42. Head coach Rory Kuhn stated after the game, “I believe, without a doubt, we are the best team in the country, and we proved it today.”

The men’s team was looking for a statement win against the #6 ranked Raiders, as they were coming off a loss to Chipola and a nail-biting win against TCC. The first half proved it would be another closely contested game for the Commodores, as the lead switched hands multiple times. A Northwest Florida run saw Gulf Coast trail by as many as 9 points early on, but the Commodores went into the halftime break only down 5. Gulf Coast started the second half on a 11-5 run to take the lead which eventually grew to double digits. However, the Raiders did not roll over, taking back the lead late in the second half. An Andre Young three pointer tied the game and a Jaxon Ellingworth dunk gave the Commodores a 2 point lead. However, Northwest Florida took back the lead with 22 seconds left in the game. Ellingworth attempted to tie it at the buzzer, but his three pointer rimmed out, giving the Raiders a 79-76 win. Turner Harris stated after the game, “We gave them that win, but that will not happen ever again.”

Gulf Coast will play host to Pensacola State College on Wednesday, and there should be question on where the Lady Commodores will be ranked coming into that game.