NATCHITOCHES—A tough stretch for Northwestern State continues as it welcomes rival Stephen F. Austin to Prather Coliseum on Saturday.

Tip-off is at 1 p.m. and is streamed on ESPN+.

The Demons (12-11, 9-5) could not hold onto a halftime lead in the loss last time out against second-place Lamar. It didn't get any easier for Northwestern State, welcoming the third place SFA (21-5, 11-4).

Last time out, Nia Hardison scored a season-high 16 points and finished just two points shy of her career high. The senior is playing her best basketball of the season offensively, recording her top three scoring outputs of the season in the last four contests, averaging 9.8 points per game in the last four while shooting 53.6 percent from the field.

Reigning conference player of the week Mya Blake nearly recorded her second double-double of the season, posting 14 points and nine rebounds.

On a day honoring former men's basketball head coach Mike McConathy, Northwestern State clinches a spot in the Southland Conference Tournament with one more victory.

While reaching the SLC Tournament is a nice accomplishment, the Demons are aiming for more, as they are tied for fourth in the league.

They are in a battle, fighting with UIW and Nicholls for one spot for a first round bye in next month's tournament, as the teams have a combined half a game separating the three teams.

In the previous meeting, Mya Blake poured in a career-high 37 points on just 18 shots, burying five 3-pointers and 10-of-12 from the free throw line. However, Northwestern State dropped a tight 67-65 contest in Nacogdoches.

"What we've understood, especially since the last SFA game, is that if you want something, you're going to have to go take it," head coach Anna Nimz said. "It doesn't matter how many people you have to go fight for it. It's us against the world.

"While I think the girls have earned some respect, I still think we've got to go take that because nothing is going to be given. Every game in the Southland is going to be a dogfight and against these top tier teams, it is going to be an even bigger dogfight."

The Ladyjacks have won seven games in a row, which started with the victory against the Demons last month. Five of the last six victories have come by double figures.

SFA wins with its offense, leading the league in scoring by a wide margin. In SLC play, the Ladyjacks have scored 67.7 points per game, 8.5 points more than second place Southeastern Louisiana.

The Ladyjacks lead the league in overall field goal percentage (46.0 percent) and 3-point percentage (35.8 percent).

Five SFA players average in double figures in scoring, led by Faith Blackstone, who averages 15.5 points per game to go along with 6.2 rebounds.

Defensively, the Demons lead the SLC in both categories, including leading the nation in 3-point shooting defense.

Following the match, the Demons hit the road for the final two contests away from Prather Coliseum, starting with a visit to Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday. Northwestern State finishes up with three at home prior to the SLC Tournament.