Sometimes a loss is not always a loss. That is certainly the case for Northwestern State following Wednesday’s result in Grambling.
Despite the 68-60 final score where a handful of missed opportunities late in the game allowed Grambling to pull out the win, the Lady Demons (2-1) learned even more about who they are as a team and grew by leaps and bounds facing their first major adversity of the year.
Back in a more friendly environment on Friday, NSU hosts Louisiana Christian (3-1), formerly Louisiana College, for a 5:30 p.m. game, the first of a Demon doubleheader with the NSU men who host Louisiana Tech later that night.
The game can also be heard locally on 95.9 FM Kix Classic Country in Natchitoches.
“I believe we got better throughout the game and genuinely grew as a team,” head coach Anna Nimz said following Wednesday’s game. “I know we didn’t win the game, but I absolutely don’t believe we chalk it up as a loss. In my opinion we learned. We needed this game in order to continue to grow and develop as a program.”
The Lady Demons withstood the first quarter and first half attempts by Grambling to pull away early. The Tigers shot 60 percent from the floor in the first 20 minutes of the game compared to NSU’s 30 percent but only held a five-point edge at the half.
The NSU defense created 13 turnovers in that first half that allowed it to tie the game midway through the second quarter and keep it close the rest of the night. Clutch shooting from Monette Bolden and Candice Parramore, especially in the second and third quarters, gave the Lady Demons multiple shots of energy.
The Tigers were able to make a small handful of more plays in the fourth quarter that led to their win, but the fight, resolve and effort of the Lady Demons was on full display the entire night.
For a team still finding how they best play with each other, every game is a learning opportunity, whether in a 71-56 win against Texas A&M-Texarkana or a 68-60 loss to Grambling.
“We are looking forward to getting back on the court together and growing as a team,” Nimz said. “Every game we have had the opportunity to learn something new about what needs corrected, what works and how one another plays.
“One of the best things about basketball is that you must move on quickly to the next opponent. This does not mean you ignore the prior game, but you watch, you learn and you adjust. Friday’s game against a very good Louisiana Christian gives us an opportunity to make the needed corrections and fight to protect our home court.”
Photo Credit: Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services
