NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — Southland Conference rivals will meet for the second time this month when the New Orleans Privateers host the Northwestern State Demons in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at Kiefer Lakefront Arena.

The matchup is a quick rematch of a Jan. 3 game in Natchitoches, where Northwestern State (6-14, 3-4 Southland) secured a 74-68 victory. The Demons will look to complete the regular-season sweep, while the Privateers (9-13, 4-3) aim to defend their home court and even the series.

Northwestern State enters on a four-game skid, including three narrow road losses by a combined six points. Their most recent was a 69-67 heartbreaker at Stephen F. Austin on Tuesday. Guard Micah Thomas has been a consistent bright spot, averaging 18.4 points over his last seven games. He scored 12 points with four assists in the first meeting against New Orleans.

The Privateers are coming off one of their most complete performances, an 80-62 road win at Nicholls State on Tuesday. Forward Churchill Abass was dominant in that victory, scoring 20 points in just 19 minutes. His rim protection has been a key factor; Abass has recorded multiple blocks in five of his last seven contests. He was limited to 10 minutes and five points in the loss at Northwestern State earlier this month.

New Orleans has shown volatility, following its 18-point win with a 19-point loss at McNeese State just three days prior. The Privateers’ conference record still places them in the upper half of the league standings.

Northwestern State’s recent struggles have been marked by an inability to close out tight games, with five of their last seven losses coming by four points or fewer. Beyond Thomas, Chip Brunt (19 points vs. SFA) and Willie Williams have provided secondary scoring.

The game will feature a contrast in momentum, with New Orleans seeking to build on a blowout win and Northwestern State desperate to halt its streak of near-misses. A Privateers victory would solidify their conference positioning, while a Demons win would provide a crucial road result and reignite their season.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in New Orleans.