NATCHITOCHES – After three straight battles on the road to begin the season, the Northwestern State men's basketball team finally returns to Prather Coliseum on Friday, hosting Ecclesia in a mid-day matchup that marks the Demons' long-awaited home opener. 

Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. and will stream live on ESPN+. 

The noon tip will bring hundreds of elementary students into Prather, creating one of the loudest and most energetic atmospheres of the season. 

Head coach Rick Cabrera said the program embraces the opportunity to connect with the community. 

"This is us giving back," Cabrera said. "If the kids enjoy themselves and want to come back with their parents, that's how you grow a fan base. It's a fun day for our guys too." 

Northwestern State (0–3) enters the game coming off its strongest performance of the young season, an overtime thriller at North Alabama.  

The Demons erased a 13-point deficit, traded late-game blows, and pushed a team riding a 16-game home-winning streak to the final seconds before falling 87–83. 

Cabrera said he left Florence encouraged by his team's competitive fire. 

"I was extremely proud of our effort," he said. "We battled, we competed, and we gave ourselves a chance. We just didn't get the stop or the rebound we needed, but there's a lot we can build on." 

Senior guard Micah Thomas delivered a career-high 29 points, while junior Izzy Miles added a career-best 16, including several crucial second-half buckets that helped NSU force overtime. 

"I've been waiting for this from Izzy," Cabrera said. "He played with confidence and aggressiveness. He's a dual-threat guy for us, and if he builds on that, it takes us to another level." 

Friday's matchup with Ecclesia offers the Demons a chance to reset at home after the three-game road stretch that included Texas A&M, North Texas and North Alabama — all physical, high-level opponents designed to prepare NSU for conference play. 

Cabrera said the returning group of six veterans will be key in helping the newer players settle in. 

"I hope our returners help our newer guys understand that the first three road games were really tough," Cabrera said. "Now you take this opportunity at home to get better. We take no opponent lightly, but the focus is on improvement." 

Ecclesia (0-4) brings a guard-oriented roster and an up-tempo system into Prather Coliseum, giving NSU another opportunity to work on defensive communication, rebounding, and consistency — areas highlighted during the North Alabama game. 

Cabrera emphasized that leadership remains a focal point. 

"I need our veteran guys to show leadership when adversity hits," he said. "Something bad is going to happen every game. A team goes on a run, you miss a shot, you turn it over — how you respond matters. J.C. (Riley Jr.) and Chris (Mubiru) have shown leadership; now we just need it in those moments." 

Friday's contest also marks the first time several Demons will take the Prather floor in uniform. 

"You try to get them to tune everything out and just play basketball," Cabrera said. "These are the rims you shoot on every day. This is home. Handle your business."