CONWAY, Ark. – Northwestern State brings a three-game win streak and a stinging memory into Wednesday night's visit to Central Arkansas for a rematch that will bring both teams to the midpoint of the Southland Conference basketball season.

The Demons (12-9 overall, 5-2 in the Southland) saw the Bears (7-12, 2-5) overcome a 17-point second-half lead in Prather Coliseum on Jan. 14 for a shocking 77-73 triumph. UCA snapped a six-game losing streak by sinking 59 percent of its second-half shots, including 8 of 13 on 3-pointers, while going to a zone defense that stymied NSU into 35 percent aim.

Tipoff for the rematch is 7 p.m. at UCA's Ferris Center. The Demons hope to retain at least a share of the SLC East Division lead and remain within striking distance of first place in the overall league standings, halfway through the 16-game schedule.

NSU has built its three-game win streak on defense. The Demons' last three foes are a combined 21 percent (8-38) on 3-pointers, while last week's victims, Lamar and Southeastern Louisiana, scored only 110 points combined and shot an aggregate 30.5 percent overall.

“We're contesting shots better, giving up fewer open looks on the perimeter,” said 13^th-year coach Mike McConathy.  “Having one of the best defensive players in the country in the middle gives us a great foundation to build from.”

Senior center William Mosley is second nationally with 4.3 blocked shots per game. The 6-7 Shreveport-Huntington product was named national Mid-Major Player of the Week, Southland Conference Player of the Week and co-Louisiana Player of the Week on Monday after averaging 16 points, 10 rebounds, 5.5 blocks and shooting 67 percent in NSU's last two victories.

Junior guard Shamir Davis leads the Demons with an overall 13.9 scoring average that bumps up to 15 points per game in league play. Mosley is next at 11 points overall and 14 in Southland games. Louis Ellis scores 10.4 overall and 11.3 in conference contests.

UCA has the SLC's second-leading scorer, LaQuinten Miles, averaging 17 per game, along with 2.4 steals per contest, 24^th nationally. The Bears got a team-best 17 points off the bench against NSU by Carlin Bremner, who came in 3 of 22 on 3-pointers but made 5 of 7.

“They caught fire on us in the first game. They didn't fold up and we relaxed. They took advantage,” said Mosley.  “Now it's on us to even the score. It's at their place so we have to be extra tough.”

The game will be broadcast on the Demon Sports Network, flagshipped by 100.7 KZBL FM in Natchitoches and including 99.9 KTEZ FM in Many and 92.1 KSYR FM in Shreveport. The audio will be streamed on nsudemons.com and Twitter updates will be provided at the @NSUDemonsMBB account.

After UCA, the Demons head home for a Saturday afternoon 2 o'clock contest against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in Prather Coliseum on Demon Basketball Reunion Day.