NATCHITOCHES — The Northwestern State men's basketball team returns to Mike McConathy Court at Prather Coliseum on Saturday afternoon, riding the momentum of a dramatic road victory, as the Demons host Southeastern Louisiana in Southland Conference play.

Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. with the game airing live on ESPN+. Radio coverage is available on the Demon Sports Network and flagship station 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches.

NSU (7-18, 5-11) enters the matchup after a thrilling 70–68 win at Lamar, snapping a stretch of close losses with a decisive finish in the final seconds.

With the score tied at 68 and six seconds remaining, Micah Thomas split a pair of free throws before Willie Williams secured the offensive rebound and converted the game-winning putback with four seconds left.

Head coach Rick Cabrera said the breakthrough felt earned.

"I'm so proud of this team," Cabrera said. "We finally had the ball bounce our way. But we earned this victory. It wasn't given to us. Lamar would make a run, and we'd answer. Our guys just told themselves, 'We're not losing this game.'"

The win marked Northwestern's first victory in Beaumont since 2023 and showcased a different version of the Demons than the one that managed just 48 points in their previous outing at East Texas A&M.

Against Lamar, NSU shot 45 percent from the field and 39 percent from 3-point range while assisting on 19 of 25 made baskets. The Demons led for more than 32 minutes in a contest that featured 15 lead changes.

Unlike recent games, Northwestern came out firing, knocking down three early 3-pointers and building a nine-point, first-half lead.

"We told our guys, you're not allowed to play like you've lost seven in a row," Cabrera said. "There's no pressure. Pressure is real life. This is basketball. Just play the way you're capable of playing."

The finish required composure.

After Thomas missed the second of two free throws in the closing seconds, Williams was in the right place at the right time.

"I wouldn't want anyone else at the line in that moment besides Micah," Cabrera said. "He's human — he's not 100 percent. But the ball bounced into Willie's hands, and he works on that left-hand hook. It wasn't a surprise to me. He has a knack for rebounding. The ball finds him."

Williams, who continues to battle lingering effects from a broken foot earlier in the season, delivered his second straight double-double and fifth of the year in the win.

"He's still dealing with issues every day," Cabrera said. "He's got a rod and a screw in his foot, and he's 6-7, 240 pounds. Every time he jumps, he's fighting through pain. But he never complains. He just told me, 'Coach, I'm going to make it up.' And he did."

Freshman CJ Larry also continued his emergence, scoring a career-high 11 points with six assists and no turnovers.

"He's not playing like a freshman anymore," Cabrera said. "By February, you're not a freshman. He's earned his starting spot. He's a ferocious defender, he controls the offense and I trust him. That's big time for a freshman on the road."

Now the Demons turn their focus to Southeastern (8-17, 5-11), which enters Saturday's contest on a two-game winning streak with victories against Houston Christian and UIW.

The Lions held HCU to just 47 points on 32 percent shooting and rank fifth in the Southland Conference in scoring defense at 69.2 points per game.

"They're coming in with momentum, and they're fighting for the same spot we are," Cabrera said. "You've got to treat Southeastern like they're the number one team in the league. That's how this league is — everybody's good."

Offensively, the Lions are led by Jeremy Elyzee and Isaiah Gaines, both averaging 10.6 points per game while shooting better than 45 percent from the field.

"They've got good balance — good guards, good bigs, shooters that are playing well," Cabrera said. "They're very similar to us. Defensively, they're tough. It's going to be an exciting game."

Saturday marks the first meeting between the teams in 2026. Their previous matchup came in December, when Northwestern State traveled to Hammond and secured a 76–68 victory behind 18 points from Thomas and 17 from Justin Redmond.

The Demons will look to extend their winning streak over the Lions to three games dating to last season. A victory would mark Northwestern's first three-game winning streak against Southeastern since 2016.

With a four-game homestand beginning and momentum finally on their side, Cabrera emphasized the importance of maintaining focus at home.

"Some people think we play better on the road," Cabrera said. "I call that nonsense. You've got to be locked in at home. If we play with the same intensity we had at Lamar, we'll give ourselves a chance."