The #20 Chipola Indians (11-3; 6-2 PC) picked up their fifth consecutive win on Saturday as the Indians came from behind to defeat Northwest Florida, 80-65. Jaeden Zackery equaled his career high, 21, matching his total from the Indians' and Raiders' previous game this season in Marianna.

Northwest Florida came out firing in Raider Arena, jumping out to a quick lead thanks to hot shooting from beyond the arc. The Raiders made six of their first seven shots from three-point range and ended the first half shooting 50 percent from the floor. The Indians stayed close by going 10-for-23 (43.5 percent). The Raiders led by as many as nine in the first half and went into the the locker room ahead of the Indians, 36-30.

When the teams returned, the Indians turned up the defense, going on an 18-4 run to open the second half. The Indians would stretch the lead to 21 shooting 54.8 percent in the second half. Chipola outscored the Raiders 50-29 after the break en route to the 80-65 win.

Coach Donnie Tyndall  was pleased with the work the Indians did to take over the game. "We did a better job defensively in the second half ending up with 14 steals. Offensively we got to the foul line 28 times which means we were driving the ball. Jaeden Zackery, Kris Gardner, and Carlos Lemus all did a nice job of at both ends of the floor and Naheem McLeod is continuing to improve every game."

Joining Zackery in double figures for Chipola were Kris Gardner (16), Naheem McLeod (10), and B.J. Comer (10).

The Indians finish the first half of the conference season tied for first place. Next up, Chipola will meet Gulf Coast for the third time this season; the teams split their previous two games, with each team winning on their home court. The Indians and Commodores will tipoff in Panama City on Wednesday night at 7:30.