NATCHITOCHES – The tour of Louisiana continues Tuesday as Northwestern State hosts Louisiana College, the Demons' third in-state opponent so far and one of nine Louisiana foes on this season's schedule.

Fans 12 and under can get a free ticket to the 6:30 p.m. game by wearing their school's or club's jersey to Prather Coliseum.

Playing natural rivals is important for NSU coach Mike McConathy, and the Demons (1-3) have played Louisiana College (1-0) 157 times, second most in program history.

"We don't play a lot of natural rivals anymore," McConathy said. "You go back to the Gulf States Conference and most rivalries within our league, they are state schools with the exception of Stephen F. Austin.

"When people identify with who you're playing, in part because of the communities they are tied to, they tend to be more involved and participate in the games. That Pineville-Alexandria area is important to us."

The Demons will attempt to snap a three-game losing streak after a season-opening win against Centenary.

NSU made 53 percent from the field against the Gents, but the Demons have largely struggled from the field in its last three games. Two of those contests came at 34 and 35 percent, including a struggle against Tulane which included 34 Green Wave points off 21 NSU turnovers.

"Tulane had a similar attack to Rice, but the pieces were different and we had a nightmare of a time against (Coach Ron Hunter's) matchup zone," McConathy said. "We didn't think we'd have much trouble because we have pretty good shooters and passers, but we were surprised by how they hammered us.

"We want to play like we did against Rice (80-74 loss) because we had great moments that we think people can get behind and feel good about this team having success."

The Demons have relied heavily on the 3-point shot, averaging nine made field goals per game. NSU is shooting 32 percent from long range with Jairus Roberson (10-of-38) leading the team in 3-pointers.

Roberson (10.3 points per game) is NSU's only scorer in double figures, but the junior is shooting 29 percent from the field. Five other Demons are averaging at least five points per game, including sophomore Brian White, who poured in a career-high 26 in a loss to Rice.

NSU faces its second NCAA Division III opponent after topping Centenary 84-57.

The Wildcats won their only regular season game (71-66 against Centenary), but they fell in an exhibition to ULM, 64-41.

Kae'ron Baker (23 points) and Denzel Austin (16 points) led the charge for the Wildcats, who made 25-of-33 free throws against the Gents.

"(Louisiana College coach Reni Mason) is a great guy, and our entire staff has a good relationship with him," McConathy said of the former Evangel Christian Academy coach. "He works hard and is very passionate about what he does.

"It's a difficult matchup for us because it's a guard down situation. Sometimes being bigger can be a problem because of the other speed and quickness the other team possesses."