Northwestern State basketball returns to the spotlight next Thursday evening with the annual “Tipoff” event in Prather Coliseum, when fans will have the opportunity to grab 2015 season tickets while being dazzled with skills competitions, shootouts and prize giveaways featuring the men’s and women’s hoops squads, NSU students — and the potential for a rematch of the crazy summer H-O-R-S-E contest between NSU President Dr. Jim Henderson and Demon senior point guard Jalan West.

The event tips off at 6 p.m. and is open to the public with no charge. Fans are encouraged to bring and donate a new or clean, gently used blanket or coat to support the Natchitoches Rotary Club and NSU Army ROTC “Make a Difference Week” campaign.

Doors open at 5:30 for ticket pickup and a season ticket holder reception.

Excitement revs up at 6 o’clock when the Purple Haze Pep Band and NSU spirit groups will perform and jump start the evening’s activities. In addition to brief scrimmages by both the men’s and women’s teams, NSU student-athletes and faculty/staff members will battle in a sharp shooting battle of “N-S-U” (shortened version of a traditional H-O-R-S-E game).

Dr. Henderson and West tangled in a fascinating Aug. 3 game of H-O-R-S-E on the backyard goal at the NSU President’s residence, and after West prevailed despite trailing two letters to one, both talked about a rematch before the season started. All signs point to that happening next Thursday night at the Tipoff event.

“This event is fun!” said Adam Jonson, associate director of athletics. “The Tipoff event generates a ton of excitement for basketball season and provides an opportunity for students and ticket holders to interact with the NSU basketball teams.”

The grand finale of the event will be a 3-point contest between the men’s and women’s teams and a dunk contest featuring the Demons’ top slammers.

NSU student-athletes will be on hand at the conclusion of the event to meet fans, sign autographs and distribute promotional posters and schedule cards. NSU students will also be treated to free food from Domino’s.