NATCHITOCHES -- The 2011-12 Northwestern State Demons' basketball season tips off Friday night at 7 in refurbished Prather Coliseum with a game against LeTourneau, as coach Mike McConathy begins his 13^th season running the NSU program with the nation's leading shot blocker from last year, William Mosley, returning for his senior year.
 
The Demons will quickly head on the road for a Sunday afternoon 2 o'clock visit to 2011 NCAA Tournament participant Arkansas-Little Rock. That game will be broadcast on the Demon Sports Network featuring flagship station 100.7 FM KZBL.
 
Friday night's season opener will be the first chance for NSU fans to enjoy the new courtside seating which was installed earlier this week. The purple seating adds a dramatic flair to the coliseum, which also includes a new playing floor and major enhancements to the appearance of the arena.
 
Mosley, a 6-7 center, led NCAA Division I with a 4.9 blocked shots average last year, winning the statistical category by more than one block per game. If he can match last year's production, he would finish fourth all-time in NCAA history in blocks, topping players including all-time greats Tim Duncan and Alonzo Mourning.
 
Veterans James Hulbin, Shamir Davis and Louis Ellis are the top returning scoring threats for NSU, 18-14 last year as it finished second in the 12-team Southland Conference.
 
The Lady Demons open their season Saturday at Wichita State, then come home next Tuesday night at 7 for their first Prather Coliseum appearance against old rival Centenary.