FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas – If ever there was a needed win in early December, then Northwestern State got one this past week.
 
After a four-game skid to finish the first month of the season, the Lady Demons (3-4) held off Grambling by a score of 65-61, finding some of the offense they had been missing and using stifling defense to secure the victory.
 
A change in the tone and intensity of practice showed immediate dividends for fourth-year head coach Jordan Dupuy, turning the disappointment of the LSU-Shreveport loss into a win the next time out. With multiple days between games and only three games over the past three weeks, Dupuy has been very intentional with how he plans to keep the competition and intensity flowing through the team.
 
"What we've done as a coaching staff has been really strategic as far as when and how we're practicing," Dupuy said. "We took the day off after Grambling and practiced again on that Friday, Sunday and Monday. 
 
"Had some shorter practices but still created that competition and it was very competitive and spirited. Had Tuesday and Wednesday off for them to focus on their exams but we've had three straight days to focus in on a really good Arkansas team."
 
With fall final exams behind them, the Lady Demons get to live basketball for the next few weeks and that could come at no better time with a trip to No. 21 Arkansas on Sunday and the Southland Conference opener three days later.
 
The Razorbacks (9-1) possess one of the most prolific scoring offenses in the country, averaging 84.9 points per game, thanks in large part to their impressive shooting from behind the arc.
 
Converting almost 38 percent of their shots from distance, the Hogs are fourth in the country in 3-point shooting on the season. Add to that a 72 percent clip from the free throw line, second best in the NCAA, and it is easy to see why Arkansas has reached the 80-point mark in eight of its 10 games. 
 
"We're relishing the challenge ahead of us," Dupuy said. "I love the way that they play. In fact, if there was a style of play that we've tried to incorporate this year as far as the dribble-drive and being able to attack off the bounce and kick to shooters it's their style. 
 
"They've done a great job over the last few years of implementing it and now you're seeing the benefits of their work."
 
Four players are averaging 12.0 points or better on the season led by junior guard Chelsea Dungee's 20.8 per game, second highest total in the SEC. Dungee leads a group of five that have started every game thus far on the season.
 
"We want to go up there and play well and give ourselves a chance to win in the fourth quarter," Dupuy said. "But if you implement a game plan and do what it is you're supposed to do, especially against an opponent like that, it's a win-win situation going forward."
 
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