THIBODAUX — The Northwestern State men’s basketball team visits a red-hot Nicholls team tonight as Southland Conference play continues at Stopher Gymnasium.
Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. The game will air on ESPN+ with radio coverage available on the Demon Sports Network, flagshipped by 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches.
The Demons (4-10, 2-3) look to carry momentum away from Mike McConathy Court at Prather Coliseum following a resilient 74–68 comeback win over New Orleans on Saturday to close a three-game homestand.
Northwestern erased a 14-point second-half deficit in that victory, turning the game with a decisive defensive stretch that saw the Privateers miss 14 consecutive shots. The Demons capitalized with a 13–0 run to seize control and secure the win.
“We are looking to build off of last game and continue to get better while showing consistency in our play,” third-year head coach Rick Cabrera said.
Senior forward Willie Williams delivered a pivotal performance, recording his first double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds, including seven offensive boards that fueled second-chance opportunities.
Guard Landyn Jumawan provided a major spark off the bench, scoring all 13 of his points in the second half, including timely perimeter shots that shifted momentum.
Nicholls (6-8, 5-0) enters Monday’s matchup playing its best basketball of the season. The Colonels are coming off an 80–58 win over East Texas A&M and have won six of their last seven games, riding a three-game winning streak.
“Nicholls is a very good and well coached team,” Cabrera said. “They have three starters returning that are playing at a high level, along with newcomers that are playing well.”
The Colonels rank 17th nationally in steals per game (10.1), applying consistent on-ball pressure that disrupts offensive rhythm and creates transition opportunities.
Northwestern swept the season series last year for the first time since 2016–17, earning a 68–66 win in Natchitoches on Jan. 4 before securing a 72–60 victory in Thibodaux on Feb. 10 — the Demons’ first win at Stopher Gymnasium since 2020.
