NATCHITOCHES — The Northwestern State men's basketball team put together its most complete performance of the season Saturday afternoon, rolling past Southern-New Orleans 108–55 at Prather Coliseum to close non-conference play in decisive fashion.
The Demons (3-8) set the tone early and never looked back, using relentless defensive pressure and efficient scoring to open a commanding halftime lead before erupting for 58 points in the second half. Northwestern shot 54.4 percent from the field and received 53 points from its bench, while forcing 16 turnovers and converting them into 18 points.
"I thought for probably 30 to 33 minutes we looked really good defensively today," head coach Rick Cabrera said. "We've been building defensively over our last three games, and the numbers show it. They're starting to see the identity I want us to have."
Micah Thomas and Justin Redmond powered a balanced offensive effort, each scoring 20 points, with Redmond posting a career high. Thomas added four assists and four steals in just 20 minutes, while Redmond connected on three 3-pointers and went 5-for-6 from the free-throw line.
"Coach really emphasized defense," Redmond said. "We wanted to focus on getting stops, getting deflections and getting out and running. That helps everybody get into rhythm."
Izzy Miles continued his strong offensive stretch after a career night at Cal, finishing with 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting while sparking several transition opportunities as the Demons pushed the pace.
Northwestern seized control midway through the first half with a decisive run, turning a single-digit margin into a double-digit advantage.
After the Knights, who played the game as an exhibition, cut the deficit to seven, the Demons responded with a 30–17 surge, fueled by fast-break points and second-chance opportunities, to carry a 50–30 lead into the locker room.
The momentum only accelerated after halftime.
Northwestern opened the second half with a burst powered by steals, dunks, and perimeter shooting, stretching the margin past 20 points in the opening minutes.
A rapid scoring run midway through the period, highlighted by transition baskets from Miles and Thomas and back-to-back 3-pointers from Redmond, put the game out of reach.
"I think it's just winning basketball," Thomas said. "It starts with our defense, getting out in transition, and letting everybody get good looks without forcing anything."
Inside, Moustapha Loum controlled the glass with a career-high 13 rebounds, anchoring a dominant rebounding effort as Northwestern finished with a 48–32 advantage on the boards and scored 50 points in the paint.
"Moose is a talent," Cabrera said. "He's still learning Division I basketball, but he's starting to get it. We don't ask much — defend, rebound, and finish around the rim — and he did that today. Proud of him."
The Demons also showcased their depth, with Kordrick Turner and Chip Brunt scoring 10 points each, while several others contributed across the stat sheet in a game defined by ball movement and defensive energy.
"It makes the game easier when everybody's contributing," Thomas said. "When the ball is moving and guys are scoring, it shows how deep we can be."
Redmond said his growth this season has come from trust within the program.
"Just the confidence built from my teammates and my coaches every day," Redmond said. "They've really believed in me."
Southern-New Orleans was led by Isaiah Lewis with 11 points, but the Knights were limited to 31.7 percent shooting as Northwestern's defensive pressure disrupted rhythm throughout the afternoon.
The victory closed non-conference play on a high note and sent the Demons into the heart of Southland Conference action with momentum following their most decisive win of the season. Northwestern returns to action after the Christmas break, hosting Lamar on Monday, Dec. 29.
