NATCHITOCHES — Stephen F. Austin continued its strong Southland Conference start Wednesday afternoon, pulling away late to defeat the Northwestern State men's basketball team 74–64 on Mike McConathy Court at Prather Coliseum. 

The game opened as a back-and-forth battle, with Northwestern State (3–10, 1–3) matching the Lumberjacks early and briefly taking control midway through the first half.  

After a Micah Thomas layup gave the Demons a three-point edge early, the Lumberjacks responded with a 12–2 run, attacking the rim and asserting their physicality in front of the Prather Coliseum crowd. 

Northwestern attacked the rim early, earning 14 first-half free-throw attempts and converting eight, while limiting Stephen F. Austin to just four trips to the line in the opening 20 minutes. 

Despite the early aggression from the Demons, Stephen F. Austin (11–2, 4–0) responded with a steady push, using efficient interior play and perimeter shooting to regain momentum. The Lumberjacks strung together a decisive run late in the first half, scoring on several consecutive possessions to create separation and carry a 37–31 advantage into the locker room. 

"I thought we did some good things," third-year head coach Rick Cabrera said. "But defensively, we're not where we need to be. We have moments, but it's not consistent enough, and that's unacceptable." 

Northwestern showed renewed energy coming out of halftime, trimming the deficit with early baskets and defensive pressure.  

The Demons cut the margin to as few as three points in the opening minutes of the second half, sparked by strong interior play and additional trips to the free-throw line. 

However, the Lumberjacks quickly answered the Demons' surge, going on a 9–0 run after Northwestern State pulled within three to restore control and extend the Lumberjacks lead to 12. 

"When you don't get stops, it's hard to play offense," Cabrera said. "You might score, but if you don't turn around and get a stop, it's tough to build momentum." 

Every Demon's push was met with an answer, as Stephen F. Austin consistently countered Northwestern State's runs to preserve its advantage.  

A key stretch midway through the half proved pivotal, with the Lumberjacks combining 3-point shooting and paint touches to push the lead back into double figures. 

Northwestern continued to battle, closing the gap behind a late push that included perimeter shooting and transition opportunities. Still, Stephen F. Austin maintained control by converting at the free-throw line and finishing possessions down the stretch. 

"They capitalized on every mistake," Cabrera said. "Credit to SFA — they're unselfish, they've got shot-makers, and they've got guys who can get to the rim." 

Chris Mubiru led Northwestern State with 15 points, knocking down three 3-pointers while providing a spark offensively. Thomas followed with 14 points, attacking the rim and going a perfect 7-for-7 at the free-throw line, while Willie Williams added nine points and a team-high 11 rebounds to anchor the Demons on the glass.  

Izzy Miles chipped in nine points as Northwestern State showed resilience throughout the contest. 

Stephen F. Austin was led by Keon Thompson, who finished with a game-high 21 points while consistently pressuring the paint. Lateef Patrick Jr. added 17 points, and Kam Burton contributed nine points, all on 3-pointers, as the Lumberjacks balanced scoring across the lineup.  

Former Demon Jerald Colonel made his presence felt defensively, pulling down nine rebounds and altering shots in the paint. 

Stephen F. Austin finished the afternoon shooting 46.6 percent from the field and outscored Northwestern State in key stretches of both halves, while the Demons were limited to 41.5 percent shooting despite competing on the boards and winning several hustle categories. 

"I'm not giving up," Cabrera said. "We've got time, but we have to fix it. I'm going to find five to seven guys who are going to defend, and we're going to keep chopping wood until it breaks." 

Northwestern State remains in Natchitoches to close its three-game homestand, welcoming the New Orleans Privateers on Saturday for Throwback Day at 3:30 p.m.