Preview: Northwestern State Demons at Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (Interstat) — The Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks look to extend their winning streak and solidify their conference standing when they host the Northwestern State Demons in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.

The Ladyjacks (13-5) enter William R. Johnson Coliseum riding a five-game win streak, most recently an 85-63 road victory at New Orleans on Saturday. Key Roseby led that effort with 21 points and nine rebounds, continuing a strong stretch for the forward. In the teams’ first meeting this season, a 76-71 Stephen F. Austin win at Northwestern State on Dec. 31, Roseby contributed 14 points and six rebounds.

Northwestern State (9-8) seeks to rebound from a 53-66 loss at Incarnate Word last Saturday and avenge the earlier loss to the Ladyjacks. The Demons are led by guard Nya Valentine, who scored 22 points in the December defeat to Stephen F. Austin. Valentine has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 16.2 points over her last six games.

The matchup features a contrast in recent momentum. Stephen F. Austin’s current streak includes high-scoring wins, averaging 84.0 points during the run. Northwestern State has alternated wins and losses over its last six contests, struggling to find consistent scoring outside of Valentine.

Defensively, the Ladyjacks will aim to contain Valentine and force other Demons to contribute. For Northwestern State, slowing Roseby and a balanced Stephen F. Austin attack that saw three players score 16 or more points against New Orleans will be critical.

Thursday’s contest is the second of two regular-season meetings between the Southland Conference foes. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST at William R. Johnson Coliseum.