BEAUMONT, Texas — The Northwestern State men's basketball team remains on the road Monday night, looking to turn competitive stretches into results as the Demons travel to face Lamar at the Neches Center in Southland Conference play.

NSU (6-17, 4-11) enters the matchup following a 52-48 loss at East Texas A&M in a defensive battle that saw neither team shoot above 30 percent from the field. The Demons managed just 19 first-half points — their lowest first-half output of the season — and trailed for more than 36 minutes before trimming the deficit to two in the final 30 seconds.

Despite the loss, Northwestern showed resilience.

The Demons outrebounded the Lions 51–44 and dominated second-chance points 19–2 while holding East Texas A&M to 26 percent shooting. Willie Williams recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 10 points and a career-high 15 rebounds.

Still, 12 first-half turnovers and a 4-for-19 performance from beyond the arc proved costly, continuing a trend of narrow defeats during the Demons' recent stretch.

Head coach Rick Cabrera said he believes the group remains close to breaking through.

"We have to keep them believing," Cabrera said. "We are so close, but they — as well as myself — have to be better at finishing."

The opening minutes have been pivotal in recent games, with Northwestern frequently playing from behind. Cabrera emphasized the importance of urgency from the outset.

"We have to play with a pulse and impact the game defensively," he said. "We can't continue to play catch-up every game."

The Cardinals (12-11, 7-8) enter Monday's contest following an 84–74 loss at conference-leading Stephen F. Austin on Saturday.

Despite the defeat, Lamar shot 50 percent from the field and received a career-best performance from Braden East, who scored 33 points and added 10 rebounds. East leads the Southland Conference in rebounds per game and anchors a Lamar squad that leads the league in blocks and offensive rebounds per contest.

While the Cardinals were efficient offensively against SFA, the difference at the free-throw line proved significant. Lamar attempted 12 free throws, converting 10, while the Lumberjacks went 18-of-22.

Cabrera expects a physical, balanced opponent in the rematch.

"Very good team with great inside-outside balance," he said. "They defend and are tough. We have to do the exact same thing to have a chance, which we always do."

Monday's contest marks the second meeting between the teams this season. Lamar defeated Northwestern 76–61 in Natchitoches on Dec. 29 and will look to extend its winning streak against the Demons to six games. Cabrera is seeking his first career win over Cardinals head coach Alvin Brooks.

In the first matchup, Chris Mubiru and Izzy Miles combined for 33 points to lead NSU, while Lamar placed four players in double figures, including Rob Lee Jr., who scored 19 points on 50 percent shooting.

Lee continues to be a focal point for opposing defenses, and Cabrera knows limiting his impact will be key.

"Limit his air space," Cabrera said. "He's playing at an all-conference level and continuing to do what his team needs to do to win games."