Preview: Northwestern State Demons at Texas A&M-Commerce Lions

COMMERCE, Texas (Interstat) — A quick rematch with momentum on the line is set for Saturday when the Northwestern State Demons visit the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions in a Southland Conference men’s basketball game.

The Lions (9-15, 3-6) earned a 74-68 road victory over the Demons (6-17, 2-7) just three days prior on Wednesday. Texas A&M-Commerce will look to complete the regular-season sweep and build on that win in front of a home crowd at the Texas A&M-Commerce Field House.

Northwestern State seeks immediate revenge and a path out of a prolonged slump. The Demons have lost six consecutive games since their last win on Jan. 12. Five of those six losses have been by single digits, including the recent six-point defeat to Commerce and a three-point loss to Nicholls State on Monday.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s top guards. Northwestern State’s Micah Thomas is averaging 18.1 points per game over his last eight contests. He scored 23 points in Wednesday’s loss to the Lions. Texas A&M-Commerce counters with Gianni Hunt, who is coming off a 16-point, six-assist performance in that same game and has averaged 15.6 points and 6.6 assists over his last seven outings.

Beyond the backcourt, the Lions will rely on Damian Garcia, who paired with Hunt to score 16 points on Wednesday. The Demons will need contributions from players like Justin Redmond and Willie Williams, who combined for 18 points in the first meeting, to support Thomas.

Both teams have struggled for consistency this season. The Lions have lost three of their last four, but the victory over Northwestern State provided a critical conference win. The Demons, mired in their longest losing streak of the season, are desperate to stop the skid.

Saturday’s contest is the second game of a crucial two-game swing for both programs as they navigate the second half of the Southland schedule. Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon.