NATCHITOCHES—There will be more on the minds of players and coaches than just the game Saturday for Northwestern State.

While it is a big game, as NSU (9-13) welcomes league-leading Southeastern Louisiana (14-8, 10-1) to Prather Coliseum for a 1 p.m. tip, the game is just a reminder of a bigger goal in mind. Raising funds in an effort to beat cancer.

Everybody has been affected by cancer in some way, which is why Saturday's contest, televised on ESPN+, serves as NSU's annual Fork Cancer game as they raise money to help those in need who battle it every single day.

For fourth-year head coach Anna Nimz, this day hits close to home and holds a bit more importance.

"The opportunity to raise awareness for breast cancer has always been something that is near and dear to my heart," Nimz said. "My sister-in-law has fought and won, my aunt has fought it twice and won and most recently, my cousin was diagnosed this past week and I know she is going to fight and I know she is going to win.

"Having an event that raises awareness and funds for something that affects so many of us is incredibly important for all of our fighters, for all of our survivors and for their caregivers. This day is for you."

On the court, Northwestern State looks to build on a streak that has not happened in nearly 20 years.

Despite the loss last time out against New Orleans, NSU dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Privateers 45-32, including grabbing 21 offensive boards.

It is the first time NSU has out-rebounded its opponent in six consecutive Southland Conference contests since 2005-06.

The Demons' 21 offensive rebounds were also the most since also recording 21 against Nicholls in 2020.

While NSU can't wipe away the loss against UNO, it certainly can take pieces from the game to build on.

Karmelah Dean, a senior from Seattle, is coming off her best game as a Demon, dropping a career-high 22 points on just 13 shots. She also added a team-high three assists as well.

In the previous matchup with SLU this year, the Demons used a strong third quarter to grab a one-point lead at the end of three in Hammond before the Lions came back to win a 55-48 slugfest, finishing the game on a 9-2 run.

SLU comes in off the strength of a stifling defense, holding teams to just 32.6 percent shooting in league games, which leads the conference by nearly three percent.

Another defensive game could be in the cards as well, as the contest features two of the four teams in the conference to hold opponents under 60 points per game in league games, as SLU is third at 58.5 points against and NSU just behind the Lions at 59 points per game against in league game.

NSU's offense shoots the ball at 39.9 percent from the field, which is third in the conference.

On offense, the Lions use balanced scoring to win games, led by Hailey Giaratano's 12 points per game in conference play, the top scorer of three in double figures. Taylor Bell (10.6 ppg) and Jalencia Pierre (10.5 ppg) join her.

Three more average between 6.5 and nine points per game in conference games.

NSU is jockeying for position, not only for a berth in the SLC Tournament, but seeding as well. Just one game separates seeds 4-8, so a win for the Demons would give them a leg up in that chase.

Following the contest, NSU embarks on a string of three consecutive contests away from home, beginning Thursday at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.