THIBODAUX — The Northwestern State men's basketball team hits the road Monday night, traveling to Thibodaux to take on Nicholls as Southland Conference play continues at Stopher Gymnasium. 

Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m., and the game will air on ESPN+ with radio coverage available on the Demon Sports Network, flagshipped by 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches. 

The Demons (4-10, 2-3) look to carry momentum away from Mike McConathy Court at Prather Coliseum following a resilient 74–68 comeback win over New Orleans on Saturday to close a three-game homestand. 

Northwestern erased a 14-point second-half deficit in that victory, turning the game with a decisive defensive stretch that saw the Privateers miss 14 consecutive shots. The Demons capitalized with a 13–0 run to seize control and secure the win. 

"We are looking to build off of last game and continue to get better while showing consistency in our play," third-year head coach Rick Cabrera said. 

Senior forward Willie Williams delivered a pivotal performance, recording his first double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds, including seven offensive boards that fueled second-chance opportunities.  

Guard Landyn Jumawan provided a major spark off the bench, scoring all 13 of his points in the second half, including timely perimeter shots that shifted momentum. 

Nicholls (6-8, 5-0) enters Monday's matchup playing some of its best basketball of the season. The Colonels are coming off an 80–58 win over East Texas A&M and have won six of their last seven games, riding a three-game winning streak. 

"Nicholls is a very good and well coached team," Cabrera said. "They have three starters returning that are playing at a high level, along with newcomers that are playing well." 

In the victory, Sincere Malone led the way with 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting, while Jaylen Searles posted a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds.  

Sophomore Jalik Dunkley paces the Colonels offensively on the season, averaging 13.4 points per game while shooting 57 percent from the field. 

Nicholls also presents one of the conference's toughest defensive challenges.  

The Colonels rank 17th nationally in steals per game (10.1), applying consistent on-ball pressure that disrupts offensive rhythm and creates transition opportunities. 

Monday's contest renews a familiar Southland Conference rivalry.  

Northwestern swept the season series last year for the first time since 2016–17, earning a 68–66 win in Natchitoches on Jan. 4 before securing a 72–60 victory in Thibodaux on Feb. 10 — the Demons' first win at Stopher Gymnasium since 2020. 

Despite those recent results, Nicholls has won 13 of the last 17 meetings overall. Northwestern's 76 all-time wins against the Colonels rank as the fourth-most victories the Demons have recorded against any opponent.