NICEVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — In a back-and-forth contest at the Emerald Coast Classic, the Fort Wayne Mastodons used a dominant first quarter and a resilient final period to secure a 77-68 victory over the Northwestern State Demons in a nonconference women’s basketball game Tuesday.

The Mastodons, who improved to 4-3, were propelled by a game-high 28 points from Alana Nelson. The 5-foot-11 junior from Springport, Michigan, was efficient from the field and a constant offensive threat for Fort Wayne, playing 34 minutes and adding three assists.

Fort Wayne seized control of the game from the opening tip, racing out to a 24-13 lead after the first quarter. The Mastodons’ defense was tenacious early, converting Northwestern State turnovers into easy scoring opportunities. They would finish the game with a significant 25-12 advantage in points off turnovers.

The Demons, who fell to 3-4, refused to go quietly. After trailing 43-29 at halftime, they mounted a furious comeback in the third quarter. Led by Vernell Atamah, who scored 27 points for Northwestern State, the Demons exploded for 27 points in the period, outscoring Fort Wayne by nine to cut the deficit to 61-56 heading into the final frame.

Atamah, a 6-foot sophomore from Mesquite, Texas, was a force for the Demons, also contributing three assists and a block in 39 minutes of action. She was supported by Carla Celaya, who scored 11 points, and Nya Valentine, who orchestrated the offense with a game-high seven assists to go with her 10 points.

Facing the resurgent Demons, the Mastodons steadied themselves in the fourth quarter. While their offense slowed, scoring 16 points, their defense clamped down, holding Northwestern State to just 12 points in the final period to seal the victory. Fort Wayne’s ability to score inside was a key factor, as they tallied 34 points in the paint, though they were narrowly outdone by the Demons’ 40.

Beyond Nelson’s standout performance, Fort Wayne showcased a balanced scoring attack. Ella Riggs came off the bench to score 12 points, while Jordan Reid and Rylee Bess each added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Reid, a 5-10 guard from New Palestine, Indiana, was also disruptive on defense.

The game was part of the 2025-26 Women’s Basketball Emerald Coast Classic and was played in front of an announced crowd of 200 at Raider Arena.

The win gives Fort Wayne momentum heading into their next contest on the road against Bowling Green on Sunday. Northwestern State will look to rebound when they return to action on Dec. 7 at Southeastern Louisiana to open Southland Conference play.