Top Junior College Powers Collide as Tallahassee State Hosts Northwest Florida State

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Interstat) — A marquee men’s junior college basketball showdown is set for Saturday when the No. 2-ranked Northwest Florida State Raiders visit the Tallahassee State Eagles in a clash of national contenders.

Both teams enter with nearly unblemished records. Northwest Florida State is 14-1 overall, its only loss a 77-62 defeat to Trinity Valley on Nov. 26. Tallahassee State is 11-1, with its sole blemish an 78-75 home loss to Jones on Nov. 25.

The Raiders, averaging 81.5 points per game, are led by dynamic guard Braylon Roman. He is coming off a near-triple-double performance in a 93-78 win over South Georgia Tech on Jan. 3, contributing 14 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. He is supported by high-scoring guard Damarion Vann-Kelly (21 points in last outing) and forward Jonas Nichols (17 points).

The Eagles boast a potent offense of their own, averaging 84.2 points. They last played on Dec. 16, securing a 105-97 road victory at Santa Fe. Their season includes notable wins over Indian River State (97-85) and a tight 81-79 overtime triumph against Central Georgia.

This matchup is the first of a critical home-and-home series that will help decide the Panhandle Conference championship. The teams will meet again in Tallahassee on Feb. 14 and in Niceville on Jan. 28.

Tallahassee State will look to protect its home court, where it is 5-1 this season. Northwest Florida State has been strong on the road, posting a 3-1 record away from home.

The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. EST at Tallahassee State Gymnasium.