NORMAN, Oklahoma – The Northwestern State men's basketball team learned plenty about itself in its first matchup with a power-conference opponent this past Friday.
 
The Demons don't have to wait long to put what they learned into action as their three-game road trip continues Monday night against Oklahoma. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. inside the Lloyd Noble Center, and the game will air on SEC Network Plus.
 
Perhaps no Demon will be more excited for the matchup with the 1-0 Sooners than junior guard Micah Thomas.
 
An Oklahoma City native, Thomas was a standout at Putnam City North High School, located approximately 40 miles northwest of Norman, before beginning a winding road that has taken him to three Division I schools.
 
There is one common theme for Thomas' stops.
 
"Micah's obviously a well-traveled young man," second-year head coach Rick Cabrera said. "He's a great kid who has played in a lot of places, but one place he hasn't played is in his home state. He comes from a great family, and they're going to be excited to see him play. We're excited for him to have a chance to go back home."
 
Northwestern (1-1) has split its first two games of the season after dropping an 86-65 decision at Texas Tech on Friday.
 
The Demons were within 12 points at the under-4-minute media timeout with a chance to cut the lead to 10 before a late-game cold snap kept them from drawing any closer.
 
The somewhat quick turnaround gives Northwestern a chance to make amends in short order against the second of their five power-conference foes this season.
 
"They're talented squads," senior forward Addison Patterson said. "It's high-major, Division I – it's the best at this level. We're excited to get the opportunity to play against them. We're ready to compete, and we feel like we have a good chance."
 
Much like Texas Tech, Oklahoma enters its matchup with the Demons coming off a sizeable opening-night victory, having defeated Lindenwood, 93-60, in its lone contest of the season. Five Sooners reached double figures, led by senior Jalon Moore's 22 points.
 
Oklahoma shot 52 percent from the field against Lindenwood, continuing a trend under coach Porter Moser.
 
"Porter Moser has won a lot of games," Cabrera said. "He's a heck of coach. He ran some great offense at Loyola-Chicago. When we play these games, obviously, we prepare to win. We have some guys where I feel comfortable saying we have a chance. All road games are hard to win anyway, but I think we have a chance Monday night."