The Northwestern State men’s basketball team traded blows with East Texas A&M for 40 minutes Wednesday night on Mike McConathy Court at Prather Coliseum, but the Demons came up just short in a 74-68 loss in a Southland Conference battle that featured 13 lead changes and 11 ties.
The Demons (6-17, 4-10) entered the break with a 31-27 lead. Northwestern surged early in the second half, building a 10-point advantage with 15:38 remaining after a Kordrick Turner turnaround jumper.
East Texas A&M (9-15, 4-10) answered quickly. Within four minutes of Northwestern taking the lead, the Lions reclaimed it behind a Damian Garcia 3-pointer.
“The guys that weren’t out there were the 3-point shooters, and we allowed it,” Demons’ coach Rick Cabrera said. “We weren’t disciplined enough. I’ve always prided myself on being a defensive coach, and I’ve been awful.”
Northwestern shot 55.6 percent in the second half and scored 37 points after the break, but East Texas A&M answered each push and closed the final minute at the free throw line.
Micah Thomas led all scorers with 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting to pace the Demons’ offense. Willie Williams was a force inside, scoring all 10 of his points in the second half while pulling down eight rebounds, and Izzy Miles added nine points and five boards.
The Lions relied entirely on their starting five, with all five scoring at least 12 points accounting for all of the visitors’ offense.
After scoring just 27 points in the first half, the Lions poured in 47 after the break, outscoring the Demons by 10 in the second half.
Cabrera was candid in his postgame assessment.
“We’re just bad at basketball right now,” Cabrera said. “We’re not committed to rebounding. We’re not committed to getting stops. I’m the head coach. I get the blame. I’ll protect them in the media, but we’re just not doing winning things.”
Cabrera also pointed to missed opportunities at the free throw line as a critical factor late.
“Our margin for error in this league is very small,” he said. “Guys have to get up there and make free throws. We practice it. You’ve got to make them.”
While disappointed, Cabrera emphasized accountability and appreciation for the Northwestern faithful.
“I’m more upset for our fans,” Cabrera said. “They still show up, and they care. Our season isn’t over, but this isn’t acceptable. That’s on me.”
