LAKE CHARLES – The Southland Conference season officially opens Friday for the Northwestern State men's basketball team as it faces one of the toughest possible introductions, traveling to take on reigning league champion McNeese. 

Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game will stream live on ESPN+. The game can be heard on radio on the Demon Sports Network, flagshipped by 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches. 

After a demanding non-conference schedule, the Demons (1–6) enter league play looking for a reset and an opportunity to establish themselves against the conference's benchmark program.  

Head coach Rick Cabrera noted the unusual early timing for league play but said the team is ready for the challenge. 

"It's a little different," Cabrera said. "It was weird seeing McNeese open with Incarnate Word the other night (Monday), but that's just the layout of our league. These were the dates that worked best around the other scheduled games. We're excited for it and looking forward to Friday." 

Northwestern State aims to build on several positives from its most recent outing – a 75-73 loss to Southern on Nov. 29 – including a balanced offensive attack and an energized second-half performance.  

Senior guard Micah Thomas continues to anchor the offense, coming off another strong scoring effort where he knocked down key second-half shots and kept NSU within reach.  

The return of senior forward Willie Williams added toughness on the interior after he delivered 12 points and nine rebounds in his season debut, while junior guard Chris Mubiru continues to trend upward after providing a spark off the bench with timely shooting and playmaking. 

Cabrera said the group's recent practices have reflected a team beginning to tighten its rotations and sharpen its defensive commitment. 

"We have to find the right group of guys that can defend for 40 minutes," Cabrera said. "That's been our biggest issue, but with conference play coming up, I think we can change that because of how important these games are. When our team is locked in, we can play with anyone." 

The Demons will need that combination of scoring, tempo and depth to keep pace with a high-powered McNeese squad.  

McNeese (6-2, 0-1) returns home after dropping its league opener to UIW, a game in which the Cowboys were outscored 24–9 from 3-point range, but they still hold the number one spot in 15 team statistical categories in conference play. 

Cabrera expects the Cowboys to respond aggressively after that loss. 

"Talent's not an issue for them," Cabrera said. "They're a very talented ball club, very well coached. You can't just look at their most recent game. They beat three really good mid-major teams." 

Offensively, McNeese is powered by an explosive backcourt featuring freshman standout Larry Johnson (16.8 ppg) and reigning SLC Player of the Year senior guard Javohn Garcia (13.5 ppg), while defensive menace Garwey Dual anchors the other end of the floor.  

Dual enters conference play as the Southland's steals leader, swiping 18 on the season for a league-best 2.25 per game, giving the Cowboys a disruptive presence that fuels their transition attack. 

Getting Williams back gives NSU a needed lift on the interior, both in production and leadership. 

"What Willie gave us the other day — 12 (points) and nine (rebounds) — it was huge," Cabrera said. "He brings rebounding, defense, passing, and he holds guys accountable. We have a lot of hard-working guys. It's great to have him back." 

For NSU, slowing McNeese's tempo, controlling the glass, and matching the Cowboys' physicality will be central to the game plan. Cabrera said he believes with the team getting healthier and the rotation tightening, the Demons are positioned to take a step forward. 

"With conference play finally here," he said, "It's time to show how important these games are."